Chris Nelson – Noteworthy
For newly graduated Texas players Chris Nelson and Andrew Beck, their journey to the NFL may not come with the perks of some higher-profile teammates, but they are putting in the necessary work to make that dream happen. Both went through two years in a bowl-less wilderness under former coach Charlie Strong before finishing their careers with a 17-10 turnaround that included a couple of bowl wins under Tom Herman. As their college careers fade to the background with hopes of making a living at this game, they’re preparing for UT’s pro timing day on March 27 while five former teammates will travel to Indianapolis for the NFL scouting combine on March 1. Nelson had a productive year at defensive tackle with 39 tackles, including 5.5 for loss, but he didn’t get a combine invitation.
“From all the word I was getting coming off a great game at the Sugar Bowl and then the Senior Bowl, I was going,” Nelson said. “The coaches were telling me they wanted to see me as a pass-rusher. They told me I had some great practices.” Beck, a tight end who caught 28 passes for 281 yards and a pair of touchdowns, got a similar message from his conversations at the East-West Shrine game. But no invite to Indy. “I wasn’t necessarily heartbroken about not going because I will be at Pro Day where a lot of the coaches will be attending,” Beck said. “It’s bittersweet because I wanted to go, but the good thing is I will have another month to prepare.” – Austin American Statesman