Nebraska edge Garrett Nelson declares for the 2023 NFL Draft
Nebraska’s defense lost another big piece on Tuesday. Garrett Nelson announced on Twitter that he has declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.
2022 was his fourth season of playing college football. He had the option to come back for a fifth season due to COVID but will try his hand instead at the next level.
“To all the fans of Nebraska, you have shown me an overwhelming amount of support and love,” Nelson said in a Twitter statement. “From saying hello on the street, to letters, messages, handshakes and kind words. No matter how big or small of gesture, all of you have a special place in my heart forever.”
Garrett Nelson started 32 straight games for Nebraska
Nelson started 32 consecutive games for the Huskers and was second-team All-Big Ten in 2022.
He led Nebraska with 9.0 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks while recording a career-high 65 total tackles in 2022. He also added two pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble this past season.
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Over his career, Nelson played in 43 games, compiling 167 total tackles, 26 tackles for loss and 12 quarterback sacks. He started every game for the last three seasons.
With Nelson’s loss, the Huskers must replace its top three players at the edge. Ochaun Mathis also declared for the NFL Draft, and Caleb Tannor graduated.
“Ever since I was a little kid, my dream to attend the University of Nebraska, follow in my father’s footsteps, and become a collegiate athlete was a constant in my life,” Nelson said in his statement. “Representing this University, the people of this state, and my family was one of the highest honors I will have in my life.”
