Richland play-maker, former TCU commit, chooses college football career with SMU

Brian Gosset
·1 min read

Richland wide receiver CJ Nelson, who had been committed to TCU since January, announced on Monday that he will continue his football career at SMU. Nelson de-committed from TCU on June 11.

Nelson also had offers from Texas Tech, Oregon, Arizona State, Utah, Kansas, Houston and Arkansas State.

Richland receiver CJ Nelson (1) goes 36 yards for a touchdown reception against Colleyville Heritage during the first half of a high school football game, October 23, 2020 played at the Birdville ISD Fine Arts/Athletics Complex in North Richland Hills, Tx. (Steve Nurenberg Special to the Star-Telegram)
Richland receiver CJ Nelson (1) goes 36 yards for a touchdown reception against Colleyville Heritage during the first half of a high school football game, October 23, 2020 played at the Birdville ISD Fine Arts/Athletics Complex in North Richland Hills, Tx. (Steve Nurenberg Special to the Star-Telegram)

Nelson, a 3-star 2022 recruit, recorded a 1,000-yard season in 2020 in only eight games.

The 6-foot prospect made 48 catches for 1,079 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Royals. His best performance of the season came in October when he had 11 receptions for 290 yards and five TDs in an overtime game vs. Colleyville Heritage.

Nelson also played defense against Heritage and picked off two passes.

Richland receiver C.J. Nelson (1) gets past Keller Timber Creek defensive back Nolan Killday (6) for a 31 yard touchdown reception during the first half of a High School Football game, Friday night, October 9, 2020 played at Keller ISD Staduim in Keller, Tx. (Steve Nurenberg Special to the Star-Telegram)
Richland receiver C.J. Nelson (1) gets past Keller Timber Creek defensive back Nolan Killday (6) for a 31 yard touchdown reception during the first half of a High School Football game, Friday night, October 9, 2020 played at Keller ISD Staduim in Keller, Tx. (Steve Nurenberg Special to the Star-Telegram)

He had four other 100-yard receiving games and four games of two or more touchdowns.

According to MaxPreps, Nelson ranked sixth among all WRs in the state with 134.9 yards receiving per game. His 22.5 yards per catch ranked him ninth among WRs with at least 40 catches.

As a sophomore, he had 49 catches for 668 yards and six touchdowns.