With most of the summer camps and 7-on-7's over, us football fans are left in the dreaded holding period between camp season and fall practices. What better way to pass the time than to get to know some of the players already committed to join the University of Miami next year.
Highlighted in this edition of the "#Swag16 spotlight", is Fort Lauderdale High defensive end JaQuwan Nelson. JaQuwan committed to UM back in mid-March which he said he dreamt of doing since he was a child. Nelson chose the 'Canes over schools such as Kentucky, Cincinnati, and a Oregon State among others.
Nash Williams: JaQuwan, what made you want to commit to Miami?
JaQuwan Nelson: I've always been a 'Canes fan since I was a kid and it's always something that's fascinated me. I've wanted to experience what it would be like to be a 'Cane. That's why I committed there. I've always wanted to be there.
NW: What would you like to major in when you get to college?
JN: I'd like to major in electrical engineering. I want to do that because I want to own my own business and pretty much take it as far as I can. I really want to do the same thing my dad does. Unlike him though, I want to be the boss.
NW: On the field, do you have a college or professional football player you would compare yourself to?
JN: Well, my favorite D-end of all-time was Lawrence Taylor, but I often compare myself to Chad (Thomas) from UM. That's who I would say I play like.
NW: Have any of your relatives played college football or even gone on to the pros?
JN: No. Honestly, I'm going to be the first person in my family to even go to college so just getting to UM is going to be huge for me; It's a very big deal.
NW: Who would you say is your hero in your life?
JN: I would have to say God first, but also my dad. He has always been there for me because I lost my mom when I was 11-years old and my dad he just picked me up from that and has been there for me.
NW: What kind of advice have you picked up from your dad throughout the years?
JN: Just a lot of stuff like basic responsibilities. He was in the military so he has been there and seen stuff and I think that's what makes him such an encouraging guy always talking business and taking care of what needs to be done. I try and apply that on the field too.
NW: Before a game, who is your favorite rapper to listen to?
JN: Well my favorite rapper is Rich Homie Quan so I have to listen to him, but I also like to listen to Chad's music.
NW: Is the only reason you you like Rich Homie because you guys have the same nickname (Quan)?
JN: (laughs) Yeah we got the same name so you know I got to ride with him!
NW: On the field, how would you describe yourself as a player?
JN: I haven't thought about that much but I'd say I'm just a high-energy guy. I'm always ready to go. On the field I'm violent and I'm self-motivated as well.
NW: Why are you going to be a good fit at UM?
JN: I just have a feeling that's where I belong and that's where I want to take my chances at. As a kid growing up, that's all I knew. The 'Canes are all I ever watched and it's nothing but greatness that I've seen come out of there. Plus guys can make it to the next level and that's something I wanted to always be a part of down there.
***JaQuwan continues to work out this summer leading into his senior season and at the time of the interview says he stands in at 6'2", 221-pounds.
Highlighted in this edition of the "#Swag16 spotlight", is Fort Lauderdale High defensive end JaQuwan Nelson. JaQuwan committed to UM back in mid-March which he said he dreamt of doing since he was a child. Nelson chose the 'Canes over schools such as Kentucky, Cincinnati, and a Oregon State among others.
Nash Williams: JaQuwan, what made you want to commit to Miami?
JaQuwan Nelson: I've always been a 'Canes fan since I was a kid and it's always something that's fascinated me. I've wanted to experience what it would be like to be a 'Cane. That's why I committed there. I've always wanted to be there.
NW: What would you like to major in when you get to college?
JN: I'd like to major in electrical engineering. I want to do that because I want to own my own business and pretty much take it as far as I can. I really want to do the same thing my dad does. Unlike him though, I want to be the boss.
NW: On the field, do you have a college or professional football player you would compare yourself to?
JN: Well, my favorite D-end of all-time was Lawrence Taylor, but I often compare myself to Chad (Thomas) from UM. That's who I would say I play like.
NW: Have any of your relatives played college football or even gone on to the pros?
JN: No. Honestly, I'm going to be the first person in my family to even go to college so just getting to UM is going to be huge for me; It's a very big deal.
NW: Who would you say is your hero in your life?
JN: I would have to say God first, but also my dad. He has always been there for me because I lost my mom when I was 11-years old and my dad he just picked me up from that and has been there for me.
NW: What kind of advice have you picked up from your dad throughout the years?
JN: Just a lot of stuff like basic responsibilities. He was in the military so he has been there and seen stuff and I think that's what makes him such an encouraging guy always talking business and taking care of what needs to be done. I try and apply that on the field too.
NW: Before a game, who is your favorite rapper to listen to?
JN: Well my favorite rapper is Rich Homie Quan so I have to listen to him, but I also like to listen to Chad's music.
NW: Is the only reason you you like Rich Homie because you guys have the same nickname (Quan)?
JN: (laughs) Yeah we got the same name so you know I got to ride with him!
NW: On the field, how would you describe yourself as a player?
JN: I haven't thought about that much but I'd say I'm just a high-energy guy. I'm always ready to go. On the field I'm violent and I'm self-motivated as well.
NW: Why are you going to be a good fit at UM?
JN: I just have a feeling that's where I belong and that's where I want to take my chances at. As a kid growing up, that's all I knew. The 'Canes are all I ever watched and it's nothing but greatness that I've seen come out of there. Plus guys can make it to the next level and that's something I wanted to always be a part of down there.
***JaQuwan continues to work out this summer leading into his senior season and at the time of the interview says he stands in at 6'2", 221-pounds.
