Countdown to Canes Football: No. 13 Zion Nelson
How well the Miami Hurricanes improve along the offensive line will be a primary component of scoring more points (just 23.6 last year, 97th in college football) and winning more games.
Today’s Countdown to Canes Football player could be the headwind that’s needed to get the offensive line running in the right direction, as well as solidify a very important position on the field.
Who’s been discussed before today? Here: Full Countdown to Canes Football List
Zion Nelson
Size: 6-foot-5, 316 pounds
Class: 5th-RS-JR
Position: Left Tackle
Recruitment and Background
Coming from the Palmetto State, Nelson attended Sumter (S.C.) High School. He was a late bloomer as it relates to adding mass, playing at roughly 240 pounds during his final year of prep football.
His quick feet, long arms, and natural athleticism drew in many college football recruiters, but Miami was Nelson’s only Power 5 offer. Despite that point, he quickly assimilated to playing tackle in college and started for the Canes as a true freshman at left tackle.
In terms of recruiting, he’s never looked back and continued to improve. Nelson represents a true diamond in the rough that’s worked out really well for the Hurricanes.
Looking Back at 2022
Playing in just one game against Texas A&M, Nelson’s season was cut short by a knee injury. Losing him from the lineup put a damper on Miami’s chemistry and talent up front. That’s especially true with him being a left tackle.
The Comeback
He’s been trying to get back into shape and be a player that can make an impact for this upcoming season. Never know exactly how a 300-plus-pound offensive lineman will react to a lower body injury, but there has not been any official word that Nelson is not going to be back.
Questions About Nelson’s Return
How much strength has he added since the injury? Where’s his head at with relation to overcoming the long rehabilitation? What does Nelson now weigh? Those are just a couple of the questions that one must ask about this young man’s 2023 return.
Again, however, he’s a proven player that’s been dedicated to his craft. Nelson deserves the benefit of the doubt.
Add Nelson’s Experience
Yes, Mario Cristobal and Miami added a lot of talent via the Transfer Portal and the 2023 recruiting class. There’s still something to be said for getting back a proven left tackle with true NFL aspirations.
With Nelson in the lineup at left tackle, that will help shore up an important spot that was sometimes problematic for the Canes in 2022. Further, keeping quarterback Tyler Van Dyke upright will be the difference between the Canes winning or losing several games.
Giving Miami's Offense More Stability
As it should be, Van Dyke, Xavier Restropo, Colbie Young and other members of the Hurricanes offense will be better off playing next to a player with pro talent like Nelson.
Assuming he’s truly ready to roll throughout fall camp and into the September schedule, Nelson also helps to provide a stable backside protector that can handle elite edge defenders like the ones from Texas A&M. Without Nelson in the lineup, how Miami would line up is a bit of a mystery.
2023 Projection
Until otherwise proven, expect Nelson to be the left tackle. It will be good to see the big man back in action and protecting Van Dyke’s blindside. Nelson gives his team a better chance to win, especially against top-notch Miami opponents like Clemson, Florida State, North Carolina State and Texas A&M, among others.
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Fan Nation High school football recruiting analyst covering the state of Florida, as well as across the Southeastern United States and the state of Texas.