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Wisconsin football recruiting: 2017 S Scott Nelson commits to Badgers

UW lands a highly sought-after athlete from the state of Michigan.

Student Sports

As the Wisconsin Badgers looked to put the closing touches on a solid 2017 recruiting class, they received a verbal pledge from a Midwest safety.

Detroit, Mich. (University of Detroit Jesuit High) prospect Scott Nelson committed to Wisconsin on Monday. He announced his decision via Twitter.

Earlier in the day, buzz from BadgerBlitz.com’s Jon McNamara and Badger247’s Evan Flood noted a commitment was coming for UW. 247Sports, Rivals and Scout confirmed Nelson’s decision, with 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong first reporting the news.

Nelson, a highly sought-after, three-star recruit by Scout, 247Sports and Rivals, brings great measurables at 6’2, 190 pounds. At the Nike Opening Regionals in Chicago last spring, Nelson timed out at 4.69 seconds in the 40-yard dash, 4.24 seconds in the shuttle and a 35.4-inch vertical jump. His 89.34 rating was 25th in that regional event.

Nelson is regarded as a top-15 prospect out of the state of Michigan this year by 247Sports and Rivals—a state that Wisconsin would love to create inroads in for future recruiting classes.

Nelson’s recruitment had long been viewed as a battle between Wisconsin and Iowa. In verbally committing to Wisconsin, he turned down offers from Michigan, Penn State, Northwestern and Michigan State, among others.

What stands out most on Nelson’s Hudl highlights is the athleticism and range/play-making ability that he shows on a regular basis. As a safety, he attacks the ball while in the air and doesn’t shy away from contact.

Nelson is the 16th known commitment in the class of 2017 for Wisconsin.