Sleeper emerged from NIKE
Every year someone comes out of the woodworks to impress at NIKE Camps across the nation. This year is no different. Yesterday one such player was linebacker Austin Nielsen (6 ½, 218, 4.58) from Glendale (Ariz.) Sandra Day O'Connor.
Nielsen opened up some eyes with a stellar performance at the NIKE Camp held in Los Angeles Sunday April 17th by having the second highest SPARQ ranking with a score of 92.73.
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One of the reasons why Nielsen is a sleeper is the fact that O'Connor has only played one year of varsity football. As a matter of fact, Nielsen will be part of the first class to get their entire high school education at O'Connor.
Nielsen and his O'Connor teammates did a great job during their first year on the varsity level ending up with a very respectable 6-4 record in 2004.
Nielsen was an all-region selection after having the second most tackles on the team, four and a half sacks, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries (one that he returned for a touchdown) and one interception.
BYU, Arizona State and Northern Arizona are ahead of the recruiting curve and are showing Nielsen interest.
After a performance like Nielsen's at the NIKE Camp will put his name in front of college coaches and help O'Connor get some notice from colleges, too.
"Austin has really blossomed over the last year," O'Connor coach Rick Mey said. "He was about 5-foot-10 and weighed about 205 a year ago."
"Austin has grown almost three inches in that time span and gained over 10 pounds," Mey said. "His athleticism is catching up to his body."
Nielsen is also a great student who carries a very impressive 4.3 GPA in weighted courses.