Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – If defensive end Antwaun Powell-Ryland is the mayor of Sacksburg, then it goes without question that edge rusher Cole Nelson is the deputy. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 251 pounds, Nelson possesses a unique skillset that allows him to get to the quarterback with efficiency and speed. A true senior, Nelson will travel on the road with the Hokies for this weekend’s matchup against Old Dominion on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. ET. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
The Johns Creek, Georgia native made his presence known during his junior season. Over 13 games and seven starts at defensive end, Nelson amassed 27 tackles and 4.5 sacks, a sack total that was second-highest on the team. The edge rusher also recorded 7.5 TFLs during the 2023 season and a forced fumble in Tech’s 38-10 win against in-conference rival Syracuse. Pro Football Focus placed Nelson’s tackle grade at 85.9 for his efforts as a junior, the highest ranking of his collegiate career thus far. If Nelson can accelerate through opposing offensive lines like he did last season, look for the grade to grow.
A big part of Nelson’s skillset with the Hokies is his versatility. Last season, Nelson found himself wearing Frank Beamer’s No. 25 after perfectly executing a fake punt against Wake Forest. In the play, Nelson fooled the Demon Deacons defense by directly receiving a snap and flying through the wide open lane left by confused Wake Forest players. Nelson picked up 18 yards and a first down on the play, and truly made a name for himself on the special teams front.
As a defensive team captain this year, Nelson has quietly generated consistent production in rotation with defensive linemen Keyshawn Burgos and C.J. McCray. Primarily lining up in tandem with Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Nelson has recorded three tackles over two games thus far, earning himself a 72.2 tackle grade against Vanderbilt and a 70.5 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus against Marshall. Looking ahead, Nelson has the chance to earn high marks against a Monarchs offensive line that has already allowed an FBS second-worst 10 sacks on quarterback Grant Wilson. Wilson’s mobility is also hampered after suffering an injury last week against East Carolina, making the matchup an inviting one for the senior edge rusher.
Nelson and the Hokies square off against the Old Dominion Monarchs on Saturday night. Fans who want to see Nelson excel in person can purchase tickets to the Hokies’ Thursday night matchup against Boston College on Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Be sure to purchase your tickets now so you don’t miss out on exciting Lane Stadium action.