Matt Rhule and Nebraska keep four-star TE Carter Nelson home
There is a collective sigh of relief coming from Husker Nation. Matt Rhule, his staff, and even the 2024 recruiting class pitched in to keep Ainsworth (Neb.) tight end home. Carter Nelson, the No. 1 player in Nebraska, took official visits to Georgia, Notre Dame, Penn State, and Nebraska before adding his name to the 2024 Nebraska recruiting class.
Carter Nelson calls commitment to Nebraska a “no-brainer”
Nelson is a Husker. The No. 57 player in the nation and the No. 3 tight end in the 2024 class is staying home. The 6-foot-4 and 215-pound Nelson is considered by some to be a generational talent from Nebraska because of his overall athleticism.
“I finally see how they are changing things and they expressed how they were going to use me,” Nelson said. “It was what I’m looking for. So having family around and things like that it was a no-brainer decision.”
If you asked Nelson, he would tell you that he likes the idea of playing a flex-style tight end and getting some reps as a wide receiver. In some situations, Nebraska could put that 7’0″ high jump explosiveness to good use in the red zone.
Besides being a talented jumper, Nelson is also very good at pole vault, and when you add the fact that Nelson is 215 pounds, it’s remarkable. In 2023, Nelson set a PR during the outdoor season of 13’0″ in the pole vault and bettered that with a 14’1″ mark in the indoor season.
“Nebraska said that they are going to use me to my strength,” Nelson said. “They expressed how they understand how I’ve never played as a true tight end and that they aren’t going to throw me into that spot right away.”
Carter Nelson joins a very talented room at Nebraska
Nelson joins a stacked tight end room. Arik Gilbert, who transferred from Georgia to Nebraska, was the No. 1 tight end in the nation in 2020 when he signed with LSU. From the 2021 class, Nebraska also has Thomas Fidone, who was the No. 2 tight end in the country.
It is expected that Nebraska will find many ways to use Nelson in their offense. The Huskers also have Ian Flynt in the 2024 class, who is expected to play more of an in-line tight end role, but has better athleticism than some may realize and could also play H or other tight end spots.
The “Homegrown” movement is taking flight for Matt Rhule and his staff as the Huskers have landed several in-state recruits recently, including four-star wide receiver Dae’Vonn Hall and three-star wide receiver Isaiah McMorris, both from Bellevue West and three-star cornerback Donovan Jones from Omaha North.
Nelson and other recent commitments join defensive lineman Ashton Murphy from Elkhorn South and quarterback Daniel Kaelin from Bellevue West. Kaelin played a significant role in bringing Nelson to Lincoln. The Elite 11 performer came to Lincoln for one of Nelson’s unofficial visits and was recently in Omaha with Nelson at a College World Series game.
“Having Daniel in the class is big because he’s shown what he can do as a quarterback. He’s underrated for sure, but more importantly we a bond for real.”
Nelson took over 20 trips as part of his recruiting process
Nelson took several visits before making his decision to commit to Nebraska. The 6-foot-4 and 220 pound tight end took official visits to Nebraska, Penn State, Georgia, and Notre Dame. He also took unofficial visits to Notre Dame, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, Wisconsin, and others.
“All of the other trips and things I took were absolutely amazing,” Nelson said. “I met so many wonderful people that I hope that I can stay connected to throughout my career even though they won’t be my coach.”
As a junior, Nelson threw for 663 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also had 525 yards receiving for another 11 scores and added 761 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns. On defense, he had 41 tackles and six interceptions.
