National Signing Day 2017: S Scott Nelson signs with Wisconsin

It looks like another Scott Nelson could become a force in a Wisconsin secondary.

The last recruit as of this writing to close out the Wisconsin Badgers’ class of 2017, Nelson is the third defensive back of the 16 who committed to Wisconsin. A big frame for a safety, he tested well at Nike Opening Regionals in Chicago this past spring. He earned an 89.34 rating (25th out of all players) after running the 40-yard dash in 4.69 seconds and recording a 4.24-second shuttle performance. He also registered a 35.4-inch vertical jump.

The previous Scott Nelson, who played safety for the Badgers played from 1989-93, helped earn UW’s first Rose Bowl win in school history against UCLA. That Nelson also famously proposed to his girlfriend after the 21-16 victory in Pasadena.

Rankings

247Sports (composite): Three stars; Grade: 0.8516; No. 801 overall; No. 59 S; No. 17 Mich.

247Sports: Three stars; Grade: 88; No. 380 player in nation; No. 31 safety in nation; No. 9 in Michigan

ESPN: Three stars; Grade: 72; No. 103 safety in nation; No. 157 regional; No. 26 in Michigan

Rivals: Three stars; No. 64 safety in Nation; No. 15 player in Michigan

Scout: Three stars, No. 37 safety in the nation; No. 3 safety in Midwest region; No. 2 safety in Michigan

Verbally committed on Jan. 9, 2017

Nelson was Wisconsin’s 16th commitment for 2017.

B5Q’s Joseph Brown wrote about the skill set Nelson brings with him to Madison:

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 held notable offers from Iowa, Boston College, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State and Pitt, among others.

Video highlights

Bio (Courtesy of UWBadgers.com)

High School: Three-star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN, Rivals and Scout … finished four-year varsity career with 164 tackles and 10 interceptions … honorable mention all-state by Associated Press and Detroit Free Press as a senior, logging 50 tackles, 2 interceptions and scoring 13 total touchdowns in just five games … first-team all-state by Detroit Free Press and honorable mention all-state by Associated Press as a junior, recording 59 tackles, 8 pass breakups and 5 interceptions, including 2 returned for touchdowns … also totaled 1,955 all-purpose yards and 21 TDs as a quarterback and receiver as a junior … two-time All-Detroit pick by Detroit News … named All-Detroit Catholic High School League as a junior and senior … recorded 45 tackles and 2 interceptions as a sophomore … two-year team MVP and team captain … lettered in basketball and baseball … honor roll student … coach was Oscar Olejniczak