Malachi Nelson

boise state broncos AvatarCommit
2023
QB / 6-3 / 182

USC

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Recruiting Class of 2023
Natl.
11
QB
5
CA
2
On3 DB / Malachi Nelson

As a College Recruit

Quick-armed, accurate passer with strong functional movement skills. Has a thinner frame, measuring around 6-foot-3, 180-pounds with a 9-inch hand. Has been considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2023 cycle dating back to early in his high school career. A natural, nuanced passer with a quick release. Shows some aggressive tendencies in throwing downfield. Has touch with the ability to layer his throws. Accurate with good ball placement dating back to his sophomore spring season which was shortened due to COVID-19. Solid arm strength, which could improve with overall strength progression. Adept at running the quick game out of spread looks, flipping the ball out quick to the boundary. Loose and fluid in his movements. Plays with bouncy footwork and lower body twitch. Looks to pass first, but has good burst as a runner with the ability to run zone read or pick up yards when the play breaks down. Plays at a relaxed pace. Will need to continue adding mass lean, streamline frame. Arm strength registers as average relative to other top 2023 quarterbacks. Older for the cycle, turning 19 years old in December of his senior year.

Reminds Us Of
Marcus Mariota Avatar
Marcus MariotaQB/6-4/222
oregon ducks Avatar
HS Class of 2011
tennessee titans Avatar
2015Draft: Rnd1 /Pick2

Mariota was not as highly-touted as Malachi Nelson coming out of high school, but we see similarities in the body type, physical skill set and play style. For starters, Nelson’s build at 6-foot-3, 175 pounds is not too far off from Mariota’s (6-foot-3.5, 185) at the same stage. Both are accurate passers who are adept at running up-tempo offenses and excel in playing quarterback with a point guard mentality. Mariota was more of a run threat, while Nelson is a bit more polished as a passer at the same stage.

Videos

Highlights

Junior Year

Scouting Journal

7/16/22

Malachi Nelson a Top Performer at Under Armour Future 50

Charles Power

Malachi Nelson was On3's No. 10 Top Performer at Under Armour Future 50 He was steady during the morning and afternoon sessions. Nelson threw the ball as well as we’ve seen from him this summer during the morning session. The USC pledge followed that up with a solid showing in 7-on-7. Nelson threw three touchdowns while helping his team to a victory. He often kept things short and did have a tendency to miss high at times, but still delivered a few nice throws. One of his best passes came on a dart over the middle of the field to Johntay Cook II that went for a touchdown.

6/30/22

Malachi Nelson turns in solid showing at Elite 11 Finals

Charles Power

Malachi Nelson didn’t have a ton of dominant moments over the course of the week at the Elite 11 Finals, but was in the top group in most settings. Nelson had one of the better 7-on-7 sessions on Thursday, going 11 of 19 for three touchdowns. He did take two timed sacks. Even though Nelson wasn’t on his A-game, his talent and passing polish showed an elevated floor relative to many others. Nelson’s quick release and ability to throw with touch allowed for a steady showing day-over-day. Overall, Malachi Nelson looked a bit better at the Elite 11 Finals than when we saw him at OT7 earlier in the month, where he may have been dealing with some shoulder soreness. Moving forward, the USC commit would benefit to continuing to add some strength.