Once the party died down a bit in Miami after celebrating an Orange Bowl victory, Wisconsin cornerback Nick Nelson announced he has played his last game in a Badgers uniform. Nelson is heading to the NFL Draft in the spring, bringing his collegiate career to a close on a winning note.
“After praying with my family and just talking, over time, I just felt like that was the best decision to make,” Nelson said after the game, according to a Wisconsin State-Journal report. “I know that, if it’s top three rounds, you might as well go. I don’t think I could help it coming back to school. The opportunity presented itself, and I just went.”
It had been suspected Nelson would be turning pro and there were rumors suggesting he was informing his teammates of his decision leading up to the game, but now he has made it official. His decision comes after receiving a second-round NFL draft grade from the NFL’s Draft Advisory Board. A good showing at the NFL Scouting Combine could help solidify that draft outlook for Nelson.
Nelson recorded 35 tackles and played a role on punt returns for Wisconsin this season. His ability to play defense and special teams will make him a prospect worth watching at the next level.
