Minnesota Football offensive line commit Nelson McGuire has “tremendous size and talent” says Midlothian coach Doug Wendel
In recent connection with Doug Wendel, head coach at Midlothian High School, to gain insights into Minnesota offensive line commit Nelson McGuire’s character and skills What can you share about Nelson’s on-field performance and his personality outside of football?
Doug Wendel: Nelson is embarking on his second year in football and possesses remarkable natural ability and size. He’s embraced the discipline of the weight room and recognizes the exceptional opportunity ahead of him. While he’ll undoubtedly contribute positively to our team, I foresee him reaching elite status within three years. Off the field, Nelson is a jovial, amicable young man with a constant smile. He excels academically and is widely liked by his peers.”
How involved were you in the recruiting process with him, and what’s it been like to watch him switch from DL to OL?
Doug Wendel: My role in his recruiting was the same with all of our players. Which, for division one athletes is not a lot. They get found without me having to do much. I try to support and answer questions for both parents and players. I try to prepare them for what camps and visits will be like.
For Minnesota, Nelson was found at the TCU mega camp. I visited with two or three coaches from Minnesota the day of the camp and a couple days later. It went really fast. He had a great visit and loved the campus, coaches, and players.”
His strengths as a player include his impressive size and natural talent, which are valuable assets for excelling at the next level. Additionally, his willingness to work hard in the weight room demonstrates his commitment to improvement and suggests he has the potential to develop into a formidable offensive lineman.
However, to become successful in the Big Ten, he’ll need to further refine his skills and technique, particularly as he gains more experience in the sport. Developing a deeper understanding of the intricacies of offensive line play, honing his footwork and hand placement, and consistently demonstrating sound blocking fundamentals will be crucial areas for him to focus on as he progresses. With dedication and continued growth, he has the potential to become a standout player in the Big Ten conference.