Nelson Chosen NWC Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University senior inside linebacker Jack Nelson (Portland, OR/Jesuit HS) has been named Northwest Conference Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week for his efforts against California Lutheran University on Saturday, Sept. 21. The Bearcats defeated the Kingsmen 42-24 to improve to 2-0 on the season.

Nelson led all Bearcats with nine total tackles, including three tackles for loss. Six of his tackles were unassisted stops. He also recorded two pass break-ups. He helped the Bearcats shut out the opponents in the second half for the second time in as many games this season.

Several of Nelson's tackles occurred at key times for Willamette. After an interception was returned by CLU to the WU 6-yard line in the first quarter, Nelson earned a tackle for a 1-yard loss on third down to force a field goal. Later, on 3rd-and-5 at the WU 37 in the second quarter, he made a tackle for a 2-yard loss, causing the Kingsmen to settle for a field goal.

In the third quarter, with California Lutheran facing 3rd-and-4 at the CLU 37 he made a stop for no gain to force a punt. On CLU's next possession, he shared a tackle for no gain on 4th-and-1 at the WU 1-yard line to complete a goal line stand.

Nelson is Willamette's top tackler for the season. He has achieved 18 total tackles, including 14 unassisted tackles. During his career with the Bearcats, he has earned 229 total tackles, with 144 solo tackles.

Willamette does not play this weekend. The Bearcats will return to action on Friday, Oct. 3 against George Fox University at McCulloch Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. (PDT).