Zion Nelson was only a two-star prospect (bumped to three-star after signing with Miami) out of Sumter High School in South Carolina. Nelson had verbally committed to Appalachian State when Miami’s staff swooped in and flipped Nelson to the ‘Canes. The six-foot-five, 240 pounder looked more like a tight end than a tackle upon signing day. However, Nelson early enrolled in January which gave him a head start on strength and conditioning, as well as ACC-level diet and nutrition.
Nelson got himself into the weight room and started to grow immediately. Coaches say Nelson is already up to 270 pounds and has been playing great football at left tackle for the Hurricanes.