Wrapping up our 2023 athlete rankings in the state of Kentucky is Woodford County’s Aden Nelson Aden Nelson 6'2" | 185 lbs | ATH Woodford County | 2023 State KY . He played a key role in his team’s success this year, producing in all three phases of the game. On offense, Nelson lined up at receiver and finished the year with 41 receptions for 743 yards and ten touchdowns. He has the speed to run by defensive backs in the deep passing game but is also very dangerous after the catch, showing the speed to run away from the defense, elusiveness to make defenders miss, and strength to break tackles in the open field. Nelson also ran the ball 16 times for 314 yards and four touchdowns and threw one touchdown pass. On defense, Nelson moved all over the secondary as a defensive back, finishing the year with 56 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and three interceptions. He has the ball skills to break on the pass and make plays on the ball with perfect timing but is also a very physical defender. Nelson has shown the ability to come downhill and make tackles against the run and also make physical hits in the passing game to knock the ball loose from receivers. He also played a key role on special teams, returning one punt for a touchdown this season. Aden is committed to West Virginia where I see him having the ability to play on either side of the ball.

The defensive back pool in 5A was so loaded with talent that I decided to add an extra spot. Aden Nelson Aden Nelson 6'2" | 185 lbs | ATH Woodford County | 2023 State KY is a player that I have been high on for a while now that continued to impress this season. He finished his final regular season with 42 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and two interceptions. Nelson has seen time at multiple spots in the secondary and has been successful in every role. In pass coverage, he has shown the ability to read the quarterback and route combinations to help him break on the ball with perfect timing to make a play. He is also very reliable against the run, coming downhill to fill the lane. Nelson is a very good open field tackler once he gets to the ball. He also played a key role on offense and could play on that side of the ball at the next level if asked to but I liked him the most on defense. Aden currently holds offers from Kent State, UT Martin, Western Kentucky, Ball State, Army, Akron, Miami (OH), and Tennessee State, and I see him developing into a key player on either side of the ball wherever he decides to play in college.

Aden Nelson Aden Nelson 6'2" | 185 lbs | ATH Woodford County | 2023 State KY is a player that I have been high on for a while now who continued to impress in his final season of high school football. Offensively, Nelson is one of Woodford County’s go-to receivers as he has caught 32 passes for 623 yards and ten touchdowns this season. He has also made an impact as a ball carrier, running the ball twelve times for 302 yards and four touchdowns. Nelson has impressive speed with the ability to run right by defensive backs in the deep passing game. He is also very reliable in the short passing game with the ability to use his speed and elusiveness in the open filed to turn short passes and screens into big gains. Nelson has also thrived on defense where he has seen time at many different spots in the secondary. This season, Nelson has accounted for 42 total tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and two interceptions. He has shown the ability to read route concepts and the quarterback in order to break on the ball at the perfect time to make plays. Nelson is also reliable against the run and as a defender after the catch as he does a great job of coming downhill and brings a ton of physicality as a tackler in the open field. Aden currently holds offers from UT-Martin, Western Kentucky, Ball State, Army, Akron, Miami (OH), and Tennessee State, and I expect him to be a true impact player wherever he decides to go.

Aden Nelson Aden Nelson 6'2" | 185 lbs | ATH Woodford County | 2023 State KY is a player that I have had a close eye on the past couple seasons as he has been a key piece of a Woodford County football team that has been on the rise. On offense, he is a dangerous pass catcher, finishing with 745 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He has the speed to pose as a dangerous deep threat on the outside and the elusiveness to make defenders miss and pick up big gains after the catch. While he is impressive on offense, he is at his best on the defensive side of the ball, which is where he will likely play at the next level. Nelson has seen snaps at both safety and corner and is impressive at both spots. He is great reaction skills with the ability to time the throw to break at the right moment and make plays. Once the ball has been caught, he is a very physical tackler, running his feet on contact and making sure his presence is felt. He also does a great job against the run, showing the willingness to come downhill and get off blocks to get to the ball carrier and secure the open field tackle. Aden is one of multiple local prospects committed to play at Ball State and should be a key piece for their program once he gets there.