Nebraska HS Football 2023 Eight-Man Preseason Player of the Year
Carter Nelson | Ainsworth | 6’5/215 | ATH
Sure, Division I athletes have come out of Ainsworth before. But the northern Nebraska town with a population of just over 1,500 in Brown County has never seen anything quite like Carter Nelson. Had a lingering basketball injury not derailed his track season, Nelson’s legend would have grown even further. Nelson will already have people talking for decades.
Nelson was named Second Team Small Town All-American according to MaxPreps, First Team Super State by the Lincoln Journal Star, and Omaha World-Herald First Team All-State as a junior while helping his team to the most successful season in school history (9-1).
The 6’5, 215-pound projected tight end does a little bit of everything for the Bulldogs, throwing for 663 yards and 15 touchdowns, rushing for 761 yards and 14 scores, while adding 28 receptions for 525 receiving yards and 11 more touchdowns. On defense, Nelson recorded 41 tackles, six interceptions, four tackles for loss, and three sacks. You could argue Nelson was the most sought after Eight-Man prospect in state history.
His accomplishments in other sports are impressive. Nelson is a 6’10 high jumper, pole vaults over 14-feet, throws discus, and runs on the 4×100 meter relay team for the Bulldogs. In basketball while playing for his father Jake, Nelson averaged 12.5 points and 7.4 rebounds while fighting an ankle issue the entire season. When healthy, his explosiveness on the hardwood cannot be denied.
The last major college scholarship athlete to come from Ainsworth was Jesse Carr, who played basketball at Colorado State from 2008-09 until the 2013-14 season after averaging nearly 30 points per game as a senior for the Bulldogs.
What does Nelson mean to Ainsworth?
“Carter means a lot more to Ainsworth than just what he does on the field. Sure he helps us win games, there is no doubt about that, but I truly believe Carter will help the future for years to come. Watching the way boys in our youth program lit up when Carter committed to Nebraska has the possibility to fuel dreams. It proves to our entire community that anything can happen when approached the right way, ” said Ainsworth head coach Jessi Owen.
On June 28, Nelson verbally committed to Nebraska after an outstanding official visit, choosing the Huskers over the likes of Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Tennessee. His commitment was a major coup for Nebraska, who continued to build momentum in recruiting by securing three in-state commits in June.
Some things just seem like they are meant to be.
Others Considered
Brecken Erickson | North Platte St. Patrick’s | 6’3/220 | TE/DL
Ryker Evans | Hi-Line (Elwood) | 6’0/170 | ATH (Committed to AIr Force)
Bryson Gadeken | Neligh-Oakdale | 6’3/190 | WR/DB
Kale Gustafson | Osceola | 6’5/220 | RB/LB
Drew Heine | Wynot | 6’1/160 | QB
Tanner Hollinger | Cross County | 6’5/235 | TE/DL (Committed to Illinois)
Jackson Kerchal | Dundy County-Stratton | 6’4/220 | TE/DL
Alex Noyd | Cross County | 5’11/215 | FB/OL/LB
Rio Remund | South Loop | 6’4/255 | OL/DL
Jackson Roberts | North Platte St. Patrick’s | 6’2/195 | RB/DB
Breckan Schluter | Exeter-Milligan-Friend | 6’1/200 | RB/LB
Wiley Ziegler | Bloomfield | 5’8/160 | RB/DB
2023 Nebraska HS Football Preview
By the Numbers
Preseason 11-Man MVP
Next Up: Preseason Elite 33 Offense
On Deck: Preseason Elite 33 Defense
After That: Preseason Elite 33 Juniors
And much more through August 18…
Other Links
2022 Season Archive
2023 Known Signings
2024 Prospects | Commits
2025 Prospects | Commits
2026 Prospects
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