2021 TE Blake Nelson Sees Notre Dame Dominate FSU

Blake Nelson’s breakdown of Notre Dame’s 42-13 win over Florida State on Saturday was simple.

“Notre Dame completely dominated Florida State,” said the 2021 Michigan athlete, who was in South Bend on Saturday.

“It was a great game, great experience. We got a chance to see how their offense works and how the defense plays. They completely dominated. They played good.”

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound sophomore enjoyed the trip.

 “It was a great experience,” he said. “It was my first night game for college.

“I went to pregame in the recruiting lounge, we got a chance to eat. I got my height and weight measurements. After the game, we got to go on the field, meet the players and then go into the locker room with them.”

The Walled Lake Central High School standout didn’t get the clearest view of campus, but was still impressed.

“When I got there, it was dark, but from the pictures and the stadium, it’s a beautiful campus, top-notch, definitely,” he said.

He had the chance to catch up with former Walled Lake Central standout Ade Ogundeji (pictured above) and was also struck by the atmosphere around Saturday night’s game.

“The fans are crazy,” he said. “It was a good atmosphere. All of the fans are loving and love their team as much as the players love the fans, that’s how I feel, especially for it being such a packed game.”

Nelson has an early offer from Kentucky and is also hearing from Michigan, Michigan State, Iowa and Central Michigan. Prior to visiting Notre Dame, he made stops at Michigan and Central Michigan.

“My primary position is tight end,” he said. “Most colleges are recruiting me as a tight end, but I’m also open to any position on the d-line.

“When Notre Dame is on offense, I look at the kind of routes the tight end runs, the blocking schemes, if he pulls, if he motions, how involved the tight end is in the game. I look at the d-line rotation, if they drop in coverage, what’s their assignments, if they do stunts.”

Irish tight end Alize Mack caught three passes for two touchdowns against the Seminoles, but Nelson saw even more from him.

“Notre Dame’s tight end is actually very good,” he said. “He had a few good catches. He’s also a great blocker, he had a few good blocks for the running back, who had a great game rushing for over 200 yards. They use the tight end very well.”

After the game, Nelson had the chance to speak with Irish offensive line coach Jeff Quinn in the locker room.

“He seemed like a really good guy,” he said. “He has a really great history of coaching. He seems like a great coach and I would love to be coached by him.”

He also spoke with Irish Director of Recruiting Aaryn Kearney, who encouraged Nelson to get back again.

“I would love to come back one day.”