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R.
Nelson
Fact: Has
played
in
34
of
the
37
possible
games
over
the
last
three
seasons.
Years
Lettered: 2002,03,04
Bowl
Participation: Played
on
special
teams
in
the
2004
Peach
Bowl
against
#6
Tennessee.
Fall
2005
Depth
Chart
Position: Reserve
middle
linebacker
Overview: Played well in the Spring Game with three tackles, including a sack...three-year letterman and linebacker who has been one of Clemson's top special teams players the last three years...veteran of 34 career games as a linebacker, but has yet to start a game...had his best season in 2003 when he had 12 tackles in the 13 games on Clemson's top-25 team...played behind ACC Defensive Player-of-the-Year Leroy Hill most of the last two seasons...brother of Clemson strong-side linebacker Maurice Nelson; they are the first brother combination on defense for the Tigers since the Ford Twins (Peter, Andy) played from 1993-96.
2004: Played 10 snaps on defense and had one tackle...all 10 of his snaps and his only tackle were against Utah State...big part of the kickoff return team that ranked second in the nation; he helped spring Justin Miller for two kickoff returns for scores at Florida State.
2003: Played in six games defensively and all 13 on special teams...recorded 12 tackles, despite playing just 55 snaps...saw a career-high 14 snaps in the Georgia game; had two tackles in that contest...had two tackles against both Furman and Georgia Tech...was in on 11 snaps at linebacker against Middle Tennessee...did not play on defense again until the Duke game; had a career-high three tackles in that game...saw time on defense in the South Carolina win...had a special teams tackle in the Peach Bowl against #6 Tennessee.
2002: Played in 11 of the 13 games as a special-teams player; he earned a letter...reserve inside linebacker behind Rodney Thomas...played briefly on defense in the Tangerine Bowl against Texas Tech.
2001: Red-shirted.
Before Clemson: Ranked as the #22 player in South Carolina by SuperPrep...rushed for 700 yards on offense; he also had 127 tackles, seven sacks, 21 tackles for loss, and three interceptions at Crestwood High...all-state, all-area, and all-region as a junior and a senior...played in the Shrine Bowl...played for Keith Crolley...chose Clemson over South Carolina...born Roosevelt M. Nelson on December 12, 1981...majoring in human resource development.