Keenan Nelson Jr: Scouting Report
Size
Keenan Nelson Jr is a tall and well built prospect at cornerback. He has good length and has some room to continue to add strength as he matures. He has the size to be physical with receivers at the line of scrimmage. Nelson has ideal size for a corner in the college game and will be a difficult match-up for all receivers on the perimeter.
Athleticism
Nelson has the speed to run with most receivers in man coverage. He is a sudden athlete who can stop and start quickly. Nelson changes directions efficiently and wastes little motion in coverage. He is a fluid player who has an excellent athletic profile that is among the best at the position.
Hips/Technique
Nelson has good technique in coverage and attacks wide receivers with a plan. He has good footwork and shadows receivers effectively. Nelson has the hip flexibility to turn and run with receivers. He has smooth transitions and is explosive out of his back pedal closing on plays in front of him. Downfield, Nelson understands when to look for the ball and is patient in coverage.
Ball Skills
Nelson does a good job of staying in coverage until the ball is throw and looking for the ball at the last moment. He does a good job of playing through the receivers hands to make a play on the ball. Nelson has good leaping ability and tracks the ball well, showing the ability to break up most passes in his area, but he could improve at converting some of those to interceptions.
Physicality/Tackling
As his size would indicate, Nelson has no problem being physical with receivers at the line of scrimmage. He is able to disrupt the timing of the passing game and pushes receivers off their routes effectively. Nelson is a good tackler who delivers a solid hit, while making sure to get the ball carrier down. He has no problem fighting through blocks to get to the ball carrier.
Projection
Keenan Nelson Jr has the size and athletic ability to be a star in college. He backs that up with good technique and the instincts needed to make plays in the secondary. With a complete skill set and room to improve his game, Nelson will become an excellent cornerback who is an all conference type performer in college.
For scouting reports on other South Carolina commits visit the team page.
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