All over the Arkansas field, you will see the “Battle of Jerico.”
Because Jerico Nelson battles wherever he goes. And the Razorbacks are apt to have Jerico battling from anywhere and everywhere.
Outside linebacker/strong safety/Jack linebacker/nickel/blitzer/special teamer ... you name it, the junior from Destrehan, La. has played it.
“He’s a huge part of our package,” Arkansas defensive coordinator Willy Robinson asserted.
A big gift in a small box. Just 5-10, 214 pounds but he’s presented a giant of a problem even on some Arkansas defenses not as strong in 2008 and 2009 as what Robinson believes the Razorbacks will field this season.
Last year as a sophomore Nelson played every game and started seven. He made 74 tackles, third on the team, got credited with 6.5 stops behind the line for minus 32 yards including two quarterback sacks, had one quarterback hurry, broke up two passes forced and recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass he returned 39 yards.
In the 20-17 Liberty Bowl overtime victory over East Carolina won largely by Arkansas’ defense, Nelson was a large part with the fumble recovery and 8-yard quarterback sack among five tackles.
On special teams he was so special to record a team leading 13 tackles for 2010.
“He has an uncanny feeling for football,” Robinson said.
Whatever the package, it seems Nelson’s versatility makes him a part of the wrap. Especially when Spread offenses try to spread the Hogs thin.
“With all the multiplicity we have in our packages,” Robinson said, “I think you will see Jerico on the field at least 80 percent of the time because so many people play with multiple receivers.”
And because from most anywhere, Nelson can make somebody vulnerable on the blitz.
“He’s very productive,” Robinson said, “in everything we ask him to be, be it applying pressure or in coverage. He had a very nice spring in coverage playing the nickel position. He’s that hybrid with his uncanny blitzing ability. He can make it right when he does blitz.”
He also can adjust on the fly.
“When somebody on the inside messes up a pattern,” Robinson said, “he does a great job feeling it and adjusting to it. I think where he’s made his biggest growth is his decision making in how he attacks blockers.”
Doing all this at 5-10 shows a little can go a long way.
However, Robinson said the Razorbacks go into preseason searching for ways to keep Nelson from going too long.
“Because we ask him to do so many things,” Robinson said, “how well can he endure? So finding a guy that can be his spot backup and give him some rest is one of the goals of this camp. We have to find someone who can give him a blow or God forbid if he got hurt.”
Against power running teams, 238-pound senior linebacker Freddy Burton of Morrilton always helps, and junior Bret Harris provides some of the combo linebacker-safety ability that Nelson provides.
And with five letters between them they have paid their dues.
“Those guys have kind of been nurtured along,” Robinson said. “So you can fill holes with some experience.”
Especially Burton, a 3-year defensive regular and special teams mainstay.
“The thing about Freddy,” Robinson said, “he plays a little angry and when things aren’t going well he’s one of the guys that comes out of nowhere and people listen. Freddy is not afraid to do that.”
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All over the Arkansas field, you will see the “Battle of Jerico.”
Because Jerico Nelson battles wherever he goes. And the Razorbacks are apt to have Jerico battling from anywhere and everywhere.
Outside linebacker/strong safety/Jack linebacker/nickel/blitzer/special teamer ... you name it, the junior from Destrehan, La. has played it.
“He’s a huge part of our package,” Arkansas defensive coordinator Willy Robinson asserted.
A big gift in a small box. Just 5-10, 214 pounds but he’s presented a giant of a problem even on some Arkansas defenses not as strong in 2008 and 2009 as what Robinson believes the Razorbacks will field this season.
Last year as a sophomore Nelson played every game and started seven. He made 74 tackles, third on the team, got credited with 6.5 stops behind the line for minus 32 yards including two quarterback sacks, had one quarterback hurry, broke up two passes forced and recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass he returned 39 yards.
In the 20-17 Liberty Bowl overtime victory over East Carolina won largely by Arkansas’ defense, Nelson was a large part with the fumble recovery and 8-yard quarterback sack among five tackles.
On special teams he was so special to record a team leading 13 tackles for 2010.
“He has an uncanny feeling for football,” Robinson said.
Whatever the package, it seems Nelson’s versatility makes him a part of the wrap. Especially when Spread offenses try to spread the Hogs thin.
“With all the multiplicity we have in our packages,” Robinson said, “I think you will see Jerico on the field at least 80 percent of the time because so many people play with multiple receivers.”
And because from most anywhere, Nelson can make somebody vulnerable on the blitz.
“He’s very productive,” Robinson said, “in everything we ask him to be, be it applying pressure or in coverage. He had a very nice spring in coverage playing the nickel position. He’s that hybrid with his uncanny blitzing ability. He can make it right when he does blitz.”
He also can adjust on the fly.
“When somebody on the inside messes up a pattern,” Robinson said, “he does a great job feeling it and adjusting to it. I think where he’s made his biggest growth is his decision making in how he attacks blockers.”
Doing all this at 5-10 shows a little can go a long way.
However, Robinson said the Razorbacks go into preseason searching for ways to keep Nelson from going too long.
“Because we ask him to do so many things,” Robinson said, “how well can he endure? So finding a guy that can be his spot backup and give him some rest is one of the goals of this camp. We have to find someone who can give him a blow or God forbid if he got hurt.”
Against power running teams, 238-pound senior linebacker Freddy Burton of Morrilton always helps, and junior Bret Harris provides some of the combo linebacker-safety ability that Nelson provides.
And with five letters between them they have paid their dues.
“Those guys have kind of been nurtured along,” Robinson said. “So you can fill holes with some experience.”
Especially Burton, a 3-year defensive regular and special teams mainstay.
“The thing about Freddy,” Robinson said, “he plays a little angry and when things aren’t going well he’s one of the guys that comes out of nowhere and people listen. Freddy is not afraid to do that.”
