Caden Nelson Caden Nelson 5'11" | 175 lbs | LB Indianapolis Cathedral | 2027 State IN is a starting outside linebacker. Whereas Scott and Shannon are more drag-down guys, Nelson can be a thumper, denting back opposing RBs and delivering heavy hits. Plays with good bend, leverage, and has a very high motor. Good backside edge rusher who can really hit the quarterback. Finished last year with 57 tackles, 5 sacks, four pass breakups and two forced fumbles.

Nelson stepped up with a breakout year for Cathedral and helped add some depth to a defense that lost some talent to graduation. He’s versatile and can play like a DB on the outside and then come inside to play the 2nd level. He’ll contain the edge and force the ball back inside. He knows when to break on the ball and come downhill and won’t hesitate. He can move sideline to sideline with ease and has good balance. He’ll play through the whistle, and with his closing speed, he makes the QB anxious when he’s closing in on him. For as much as he played outside and was in coverage, to end the season with 57 tackles, 12 TFLs, 5 sacks, 4 PBUs, and 2 forced fumbles, I think it speaks volumes about his potential and ability to play on a football field.

Caden Nelson Caden Nelson 5'11" | 175 lbs | LB Indianapolis Cathedral | 2027 State IN , a starting outside linebacker for Cathedral, is a high-motored defender who loves to run and hit. Nelson has great pursuit and range, very instinctive, and flashes ability to deliver heavy hits on quarterbacks and running backs. He is 5-foot-11, 200 pounds, but hits with force, knocking back ballcarriers. Keep an eye on him during college camps. Very strong, tough and muscular player.

Nelson got the start for Cathedral this year and not only held his own, but proved to be a playmaker and an important piece of the defense. He’s got fantastic range and can drop back in coverage, but is best near the line. He’s able to create pressure and get in the backfield. He can shed blocks like an EDGE while having the speed to run down the ball carrier. I like his aggression and how he uses his body. His 57 tackles, 12 TFLs, 5 sacks, 4 passes deflected, and 2 forced fumbles on the year were good, but I still think there’s more potential in the tank. Being year 1 and how his confidence grew throughout the year, I think he takes another step next fall.