Nelson Selected for D3football.com Team 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 for the D3football.com Team of the Week for his outstanding performance in Willamette's 42-24 win against California Lutheran on Saturday, Sept. 21. With the victory, Willamette improved to 2-0 on the season.

For the second time in as many games this season, Nelson led the Bearcats with nine total tackles, including six unassisted tackles. In addition, he broke up two passes.

Nelson's efforts helped Willamette shut out the opponents in the second half for the second week in a row. The Bearcats have not allowed a point in the second half this season.

Not only did Nelson lead the team in tackles, he also made several key stops at or behind the line of scrimmage during the game. After an interception was returned by the Kingsmen to the WU 6-yard line in the first quarter, he earned a tackle for a 1-yard loss on third down to force a field goal.

Later, on 3rd-and-5 at the Willamette 37 in the second quarter, he made a tackle for a 2-yard loss, causing CLU to settle for a field goal.

During 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 Bearcats' 1-yard line to finish a goal line stand.

Nelson has registered 18 total tackles this year , including 14 unassisted stops. In his Willamette, he has achieved 229 total tackles, with 144 unassisted tackles.

The Bearcats do not play this weekend. They will be back in action on Friday, Oct. 3 at McCulloch Stadium, when they will host George Fox University. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. (PDT).