Interview: 4-Star 2021 DE Javon Nelson Updates Recruiting and Visit to Vanderbilt
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When the Friday night lights went on for Riverdale High School a year ago, Tennessee teams were quick to make sure strong-side defensive end Javon Nelson was identified. The 6-3, 257-pound, talent was a destroyer of pockets and consumed linemen and double-teams against the run setting the edge where there was no such thing as the outside on his side of the field. Lining up with a hand in the dirt or in a two-point stance, Nelson got it done. The four-star Class of 2021 Tennessee recruit has picked up 12 scholarship offers to date working his way into one of the best at his position in the nation.
In an RNG exclusive interview with the Murfreesboro area product, we spent time going over his game, an offseason well spent fine-tuning his technique, and his recruiting process that included a weekend visit to Vanderbilt.
Interview
Javon, one thing I really like about your game last season was the use of your hands, you lock up and lock out blockers and shed them when needed. When the 2018 season had ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game?
“My pass rush was a strength. I use a lot of moves with my pass rush and if someone counters my move, I can counter that. I can chase down plays from the backside; I am always around the ball making a play.”
What were some of the things you worked on with your game as a defender this offseason?
“I worked on my pass rush, speed training, and my pass rush on the inside – 3-technique inside and outside.”
The Warriors have jumped out to a 2-0 start, how is the team looking on both sides of the ball?
“We have come together. We will play more as a family this season than last year. On offense, they are aggressive. I like how they are playing. They are playing as a unit. Everyone is connecting; we have a lot of returning players. We are coming together. On defense, our defensive line is the same from last year. We are playing out of our minds. We have a new defensive system this season; we are flying around the field.”
In the games played, where are you seeing the improvements in your skills?
“I see more of me getting my hands onto offensive linemen first and taking someone outside if it is going inside or inside if it is going outside. My counter moves are working.”
Nice. Did you go to any college camps this summer to learn more about the game and to show off the skills?
“Yes, sir. I went to camps at Kentucky, Sewanee featuring Virginia Tech, Vanderbilt and Tennessee.”
At which camp did you have your best performance?
“I did really well at the Sewanee camp with the Virginia Tech coaches there. I did well in front of their crew good. I also had a good one at Tennessee.”
What were the things you did well to make it your best?
“In the one-on-ones I was moving, I had prepared moves I had worked on and a new move I was using, and I was using my hands.”
Going into recruiting, which schools are showing interest?
“West Virginia, Purdue, and Auburn hit me up this morning (Sunday). Florida did too.”
How many offers do you have in total?
“I have 12 offers.”
Did you take any visits separate from the camps you attended this offseason?
“Yes, sir. I visited Mississippi State, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee.”
How did the Mississippi State trip go?
“It went well. I went to their spring game. I ate and watched their defense; I like their defense. The lined up the freshmen against the older group.”
If you will, tell me about the Kentucky visit?
“I had a good tour there. I talked to Coach (Derrick) Leblanc. That was my second time being there. When I went there for the camp, I had a good talk with the coaches. They showed me some good moves. They showed me a swim move and how to keep moving my feet. (3-star DT) Tre’vonn Rybka (Dickson County) committed after that one. We talked about it before he committed. That was cool.”
Do you have any planned visits you may take this fall?
“I made it to Vanderbilt this weekend for that game. I’m not sure which ones I will take next. We’ll see.”
How did the Vandy visit for the Georgia game go?
“It went well. They had a tough game against Georgia. I know some of the Vandy players; I had met some at the camp. I got to talk to them during the visit.”
Last couple of questions. What goals do you have this year on and off the field?
“Off the field, I want keep my GPA at or raise it above 3.2 and get a good ACT score at the end of this year. On the field, I want a better season than I had last year using my new techniques and moves. For the team, I want us to make it deep into the playoffs.”
Away from football and homework, what are you doing for fun in your downtime?
“During my downtime, most time I will play a game with my friends or hang out with my friends, or we are playing basketball.”
Javon, it was great spending time with you today. I appreciate it, and wish you and the team success this season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Nelson family; Javon Nelson at Tennessee and Kentucky