Nebraska Football: 3 thoughts on Mekhi Nelson’s commitment

Nebraska football landed a commitment from 2024 running back Mekhi Nelson on Monday afternoon. In doing so, they added to an already-loaded 2024 class.

Nelson is an interesting prospect. He is a running back with a physical skill set. Nevertheless, he also shows bursts of speed and explosiveness as well. He was not a highly-recruited running back. Yet, the potential is very much there. Now, he will go to a staff that specializes in developing and molding players.

We offer our three thoughts on Nelson’s commitment to the Nebraska football program.

Nelson continues good running back luck for Nebraska football

Nelson steps in at the running back position to Nebraska football. After missing out on the running back position in a couple of the recruiting cycles, the Huskers have done a much better job of identifying targets at the position and landing them.

Take for example just this calendar year alone. Nebraska football picked up Dante Dowdell in January. They then added running back Jamarion Parker earlier this month. After Kewan Lacy’s decommitment last October, it was evident that the program needed a better recruiting strategy at the running back position. Now, it seems like they have found their groove. The addition of Nelson certainly adds credence to that.

if nothing else, Nebraska football has a better job of identifying running back targets and landing them. Nelson is certainly a big get in that regard, as he gives the program continued depth at a position where depth is premium.

Nelson’s reclassification is a double-edged sword

Nelson has the ability to play this year, which is important to note. He was originally a member of the 2025 recruiting class, but has since reclassified to 2024.

Dowdell figures to be the top running back, with Emmett Johnson figuring to be second on the depth chart for now. Rahmir Johnson is also coming back for one final season, and Gabe Ervin undoubtedly figures to be in the mix as well.

For one, Nelson could sit on the bench and learn from his teammates, in what is a crowded room this year. This could be valuable, as he can learn the offense, and be in a position to contribute more so next year. It was a curious decision by Nelson to reclassify, as he probably won’t get a ton of playing time this year, just because of the number of bodies in the room.

On the other hand, injuries can quickly stack up at the running back spot. We saw that last year. Depth was not an issue at the beginning of the preseason, but by mid-September, Nebraska was scrambling to find running back depth. Nelson’s addition to the room makes it easier for the program to find depth at the spot.

His reclassification decision is interesting on multiple fronts. There are pros and cons to it. However, regardless of the year or the depth right now, it’s always important to have players available at your disposal. Nelson provides the program with a nice security blanket.

Nelson has a ton of upside

Nelson gives the program another diamond-in-the-rough commitment. Nelson ran for 1,670 yards and 25 touchdowns for Wilkes-Barre High School in Pennsylvania in 2022. Although he is only a three-star recruit, the potential is definitely there.

Nelson was the sixth overall player in the state of Connecticut per the 24Sports Composite Rankings.

EJ Barthel’s ties to Connecticut and Pennsylvania helped to recruit Nelson to Nebraska. Now, he will have a chance to work with him. Nelson is by no means going to be the greatest running back in college football. Even still, He has flown a bit under the radar. This coaching staff wants to take flyers on players who have a ton of potential. Nelson definitely has that.

I would rather this coaching staff take a player with potential then leave a stone unturned. It’s been something that they’ve done ever since they got to Nebraska, and that is certainly the case with Nelson. Nelson’s potential and upside make him a name to watch in the backfield in terms of development and overall ability.

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