2021 DE Hayden Nelson Enjoys Notre Dame Experience

Hayden Nelson‍ took advantage of his chance to work out in front of the Notre Dame coaching staff at the Irish’s Lineman’s Challenge this past weekend.

“It went pretty good,” the 2021 Wisconsin defensive end said. “I thought I did well at the camp.

“I did pretty well in the one-on-ones and I was pretty solid in the drills.”

The 6-foot-4, 245-pounder had a chance to touch base with one of the coaches afterward.

“I talked to the defensive line graduate assistant Coach Keli’I (Moanauli Kekuewa),” said Nelson. “He’s been handling my recruitment so far, so I talked with him after the camp. Coach (Tom) Rees wasn’t there, but he’s the Wisconsin recruiter, so he’s the one who came to the school.”

Moanauli Kekuewa gave Nelson positive feedback.

“He said he likes where I am right now and to continue to develop and to keep working,” Nelson recalled.

The Brookfield Central High School standout was impressed with Notre Dame.

“Notre Dame is a great school,” he said. “I actually had a chance to walk around campus. I thought it was really cool. There’s a lot of tradition, success and great football. They’re known as a great football school and a great academic school.”

Nelson and Moanauli Kekuewa talked about getting him back for a game this fall and that’s something Nelson said he “definitely” plans on doing.

“I just want to enjoy a game and see what Notre Dame Football is all about from actually being in the stadium,” he said.

Nelson already has offers from Central Michigan, Western Michigan and Kent State.

“It means a lot,” he said. “It shows all of the hard work I’ve been putting in. Having a couple offers is a good feeling.”

He completed his camp schedule with a stop at Michigan State on Monday.

“It went pretty good,” he said. “They’ve been recruiting me pretty hard. I talked with one of the strength coaches and it’s good to get back on campus.”

Nelson will be looking for a good mix of academics and athletics when picking a school.