One of those pass-rushers that made the day incredibly difficult for Conley, John Nelson John Nelson 6'6" | 210 lbs | EDGE/ATH Nevada | 2026 State IA lived in the backfield on Friday afternoon.

A tight end/defensive end hybrid, Nelson was described as the “unsung hero” of the title run for the Cubs. An edge that knows how to use his length to his advantage, Nelson is a pass-rusher every single opposing offensive tackle doesn’t want to match up with.

He finished with a team-lead, three tackles-for-loss.

Solon said after its loss to Nevada in the state semifinals at the UNI-Dome that the difference was the pressure the Cubs applied off of the edge. Nelson led the way in that regard with 6.0 tackles (3 solo, 2.0 TFL), two sacks and a pair of quarterback hurries. On numerous plays where he didn’t record add to his statistica, he was pushing the pocket and making the Spartans uncomfortable. Nelson is a long-limbed end with burst off of the outside. Also a college prospect in basketball, his frame is capable of taking on plenty of good weight. With that and an ability to develop his football skills if he focuses full time on that sport at the next level, the potential here is significant.

On the other side of the defensive-line for the Cubs is John Nelson John Nelson 6'6" | 210 lbs | EDGE/ATH Nevada | 2026 State IA , who flashes as a long, rangy edge-rusher. Nelson recorded 27.5 tackles, 8 TFLs, 3 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries in 2024. Nelson is a hard striker who plays with good pad level and flexibility to change directions, where he is able to misdirect the blockers to get around them, and while his numbers weren’t huge last season, he was quite a disruptive pass-rusher in terms of pressures that he was able to force. Nelson uses his length to his advantage, being able to get the first punch on the blockers and using his hands to gain leverage and move blockers aside or to the ground. Nelson has the potential to emerge as a high-caliber edge-rusher in 2025, and paired alongside with the aformentioned Smith, Nevada has a really strong pass-rushing duo on their hands.

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Nevada’s John Nelson John Nelson 6'6" | 210 lbs | EDGE/ATH Nevada | 2026 State IA is an interesting prospect who I believe possesses major riser potential this season. Nelson flashed his ability to apply pressure in the trenches with 27.5 tackles, eight TFLs, three sacks, and two fumble recoveries. At 6’6″, 210 pounds, John is a towering edge with a quick get off and the ability to convert his speed to power with a strong initial jab. He tracks and pursues the ball well, thanks to a tireless motor that keeps him running through the whistle. John earned his first football offer from Upper Iowa last month and has also emerged as a basketball prospect with growing interest on the hardwood. Good bend and speed when rushing the edge. Depending on how John continues to fill his frame, I could see him playing at defensive end or OLB/EDGE rusher at the next level.

Nevada reached the Class 3A state semifinals last season in part because of the many contributions up and down its roster. Nelson chipped on on both sides of the ball. He caught four passes for 24 yards, a touchdown and a two-point conversion. On defense, Nelson produced 27.5 tackles (14 solo, 8.0 TFL), 3.0 sacks and a pair of fumble recoveries. On his junior highlight video, Nelson stands out for his physicality. Whether he’s pancaking an opponent as an H-Back or wrecking the opposing offense’s plans coming off of the edge, Nelson cracks pads. D-End looks like his spot on the next level but don’t rule out colleges liking his talents at tight end.

Nevada’s defense was unstoppable as they shut out Knoxville on the road in week 6. Among the standouts for the defense was Edge rusher John Nelson John Nelson 6'6" | 210 lbs | EDGE/ATH Nevada | 2026 State IA , who finished the night with 4.5 tackles (4 solo), 1.5 TFLs, a sack, and 2 fumble recoveries in the win. Nelson’s lean frame and lengthy wingspan suits well playing as a pass-rusher, as he utilized it well to gain leverage on his blockers as well as to getting to the ball twice after the ball was stripped. Nelson is another raw athlete who could become a premium prospect if he can bulk up some mass.