Nelson Honored as NWC Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Senior inside linebacker Jack Nelson (Portland, OR/Jesuit HS) of Willamette University has been chosen as the Northwest Conference Football Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week for his efforts in a 31-28 victory over Linfield College on Saturday, Nov. 1. It is the third time that Nelson has been named NWC Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week this season.

Earlier this fall, Nelson received the NWC honor after leading the Bearcats with nine total tackles, including three tackles for loss, in a 42-24 win at California Lutheran University on Sept. 20. Six of his tackles were unassisted.

He also was the NWC defensive choice after Willamette's 45-7 victory over Lewis & Clark College on Oct. 18. In that game, he produced nine tackles with two tackles for loss, including one quarterback sack. He also intercepted a pass.

Nelson earned the honor again by recording 12 total tackles -- all unassisted -- against Linfield on Saturday. He registered one tackle for loss. Nelson led an outstanding game by the Willamette defense, which limited the Wildcats to 317 total yards, well below their average entering the game of 494.2 yards.

For the season, Nelson has achieved 76 total tackles in seven games. He has contributed 47 solo tackles and 29 assisted tackles. He ranks first in the NWC with 10.9 tackles per game.

Willamette, 5-2 overall and 3-2 in the NWC, will take on Pacific University in Forest Grove, Ore., on Saturday, Nov. 8. Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m. (PST).