John Nelson Priest River Year: Senior Sport: Football Positions: Fb/Db

For three years, John Nelson has played as a defensive back. At 5-foot-11 and 160 pounds, he’s quick but not considered a very big player.

So imagine the shock of Priest River coach Norm Stark, who was looking for a new fullback, when Nelson jumped up and said, “I can do it, coach.”

“I had my doubts,” said Stark, who gave Nelson the position reluctantly. “Taking on fullback is a lot to ask of a kid that size.”

But Stark’s doubts disappeared during the Spartans’ Intermountain League opener Friday night, when Priest River posted what might be its biggest league victory in recent memory, a 7-6 decision over St. Maries.

“He was Mr. Everything,” said Stark. “Not only did he have to block on all rushing and passing plays, he came alive on defense against their best receiver. St Maries has an outstanding passing game, and John pretty much took that away from them.”

Nelson, who rushed for 46 yards on five carries and made 12 tackles, is a little bit more modest about his performance.

“The whole team played well. Even St. Maries,” Nelson said. “As for me, I wasn’t very happy with my defense. I could have done better.”

Nelson’s efforts and determination extend well beyond coming to practice and suiting up for games, according to Stark. Nelson has been known to spend his free time in the weight room or studying films for future games.

“The difference between (him) and other players is his personal desire,” Stark said. “Heart and desire. That’s what makes him what he is. He’s not really concerned about himself, it’s the team thing that he wants. John wants this team to be good and he’ll do whatever it takes to see that happen.”

Nelson’s talents, however, are not limited to football.

After trying out for an all-star baseball team a few years ago, Nelson was one of 17 chosen to play for a national team called the Washington Wranglers. So far, he’s traveled to Europe and Australia with the Wranglers to participate in baseball tournaments.

“(Nelson) is just an All-American kid,” said Stark, who will be sorry to see the senior graduate this year. “He’s good at football, baseball and in the classroom. Pretty much whatever’s in season.”

At the moment, football is in season, so that is Nelson’s immediate focus.

“Right now, we just want to concentrate on this weekend and then look on from there,” he said. “Ultimately, I’d like to make it to state and go out with a bang.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo