Hoosiers Add Running Back Craig Nelson to 2017 Class
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Running back Craig Nelson (9) is the Hoosiers 21st commit for the class of 2017. Image: Andrew Uloza Miami Herald
Written By Alex Compton
Hours after IUFB alums Jason Spriggs and Tevin Coleman battled it out in the NFC Championship Game, 2017 running back Craig Nelson out of Washington High School in Miami, Florida committed to IU. Nelson saw his Indiana interest soar in recent weeks after receiving an offer, visiting this weekend, and ultimately committing. His only two offers were Indiana and Idaho, but other schools showing heavy interest included Purdue, Syracuse, Toledo, Utah State, and Western Michigan. Check out Nelson's highlight's via HUDL here.
Nelson said on Twitter that he, "first off I'll like to thank God for blessing me with this opportunity to have the skill set to play the game of football. I will like to thank my family and my friends for supporting me through this long process. Also, I will like to thank my coaching staff over at Booker T. Washington #F5 for pushing me to be the best student athlete I can be. With that being said I will like to announce that I am officially committed to Indiana University!!!#HoosierArmy'17 #RipRich."
Nelson's upside is centered around his versatility, as he commonly lined up in the slot in high school in addition to taking his usual carries as a back. Mike DeBord has to like the pickup, as getting running backs involved in the passing game is something he focuses on. He ran for over a thousand yards as a senior, in addition to racking up 15 TD's on the ground. IU could be getting a real sleeper here, as Nelson flew under the radar as a running back prospect because he played defensive back until his junior year, and was initially behind two seniors on the depth chart that season when he finally switched to running back.
With Nelson coming into the fold in this class, IU will have a strong stable of backs available next year. Camion Patrick is the likely starter, with Devonte Williams, Mike Majette, Ricky Brookins, Tyler Natee, Cole Gest, and Alex Rodriguez all returning as running backs with experience. While it may take some time for Nelson to develop, there is no doubt that the Hoosiers are getting a talented, coachable prospect with plenty of good backs to learn from. Nelson's game is attractive due to his breakaway speed and ability to finish runs with real strength in the hole. Mike DeBord has gotten some playmakers in the last few weeks, and I'm sure he's happy to add the speedy Craig Nelson to that group.
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