Texas Tech junior defensive back Justis Nelson (Mesquite, Texas/Dallas Christian H.S.) was one of 78 student-athletes nationwide named to the preseason Watch List for the prestigious Wuerffel Trophy. In addition, Nelson has been nominated for the 2015 Allstate American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team.
The Wuerffel Trophy, known as “College Football’s Premier Award for Community Service” is presented annually by the All Sports Association in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Named for 1996 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel from the University of Florida, the Wuerffel Trophy is awarded to the FBS player that best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.
An All-Big 12 honorable mention selection in 2014, Nelson started all 11 games and finished the season with 44 tackles (35 solo), 2.5 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and one sack and ranked seventh nationally with 16 pass breakups,. A former Academic All-State selection in high school, he was also named to the Academic All-Big 12 First Team in 2014. Over his two-year career at Texas Tech, Nelson has seen action in 16 games with 14 starts, made 55 tackles (44 solo), 2.5 tackles for loss and accumulated 21 pass deflections and an interception.
Nelson is also active in the Lubbock community as he is a member of “The 2nd and Seven Foundation,” has volunteered as a guest reader at Guadalupe Elementary School and at O.L. Slaton Middle School and has attended prep rallies to encourage youth to do well in upcoming academic testing. He also represented Texas Tech at the 2015 Texas Diversity and Leadership Conference.
Additional information about the Wuerffel Trophy is available at www.wuerffeltrophy.org.
Texas Tech opens its 2015 season on Sept. 5 by hosting Sam Houston State at Jones AT&T Stadium. Season tickets are still on sale and can be purchased by calling 806-742-TECH or by visiting www.texastech.com.
