Size, speed and athleticism.
On the football field, such attributes qualify as a difference maker, particularly at the tight end position.
And Kyle Nelson possesses such attributes.
Standing at 6-foot-4, 221 pounds, Nelson certainly has the size to pose a threat to an opposing defense. And, watch him streak down the middle of the field and catch a 20-yard touchdown pass in traffic during an NMSU fall practice session, and his athleticism is obvious to the average observer as well.
It's been witnessed frequently during the month of August.
"He's had a tremendous camp," Aggie head coach DeWayne Walker said. "If he can perform this way, during the course of the season....We've established some weapons on offense where we can score some points."
For Nelson, strong fall camps have been the norm. Last year at this time, he looked to be a similar player, as Aggie coaches gushed over his physical attributes, coupled with his football savvy.
By the end of the season, Nelson was labeled as a player who couldn't catch a pass, struggling with dropped balls and suffering from a lack of confidence. His 2009 stat line read 12 catches for 112 yards and one touchdown — all numbers that qualified as disappointments.
"I didn't have the season I wanted last year," Nelson said. "This year I want to play for everybody and I want to win. I want to go to a bowl game. I'll do whatever it takes to win."
Nelson spent his offseason work on catching the football, route running and weight training in an effort to getting bigger, faster and stronger.
"Everything," Nelson said on his offseason regimen. "Trying to get my game better."
As the Aggies work in a new players at the wide receiver position during training camp, one of the better targets has been Nelson, who has shown an ability to not only to be a safety valve in the passing game, but also a knack for getting deep down the seam and stretch the field.
"The go-to guy is going to be Nelson," Walker said of the NMSU passing game. "Nelson's the guy....Really, we just need to see Nelson do it in games."
It could make all the difference for the Aggie offense in 2010.
