Sept. 15, 2006
Chris Nelson is a returning letterman who will take over the starting quarterback job for the rest of the season in place of injured Kole McKamey. Nelson did an outstanding job in relief of an injured McKamey late last season before a broken collar bone ended his season in the finale vs. Air Force. He has seen significant action in 4 games (3 on the road) in place of an injured McKamey, leading UNM to a 3-1 record in those games. All 3 wins have been come-from-behind victories. He has career efficiency rating of 116.0 in six official appearances and displayed real leadership and poise in the pocket when directing the Lobo offense.
He made his season debut on the Lobos’ second possession at New Mexico State after McKamey suffered a serious knee injury. Nelson led the Lobos back from an early 7-0 deficit, throwing for a career-high 283 yards with 3 TDs and zero INTs on 11-26 passing.
Nelson enrolled at UNM in January of 2005 after transferring from Garden City (Kan.) Community College. He is one of four former Broncbusters now starting for the Lobos, along with OG Bo Greer, OT Anthony Kilby, and S OJ Swift. A solid student as well, Nelson earned Academic All-MWC honors last fall.
Question: How do you prepare as the starting quarterback compared to the backup quarterback?
Chris Nelson: I obviously watch more film and pay more attention in meetings. I also try to visualize more and just try to see what is going to happen in a game and try to prepare yourself for every situation.
Q: What is the toughest part about playing the quarterback position?
CN: It seems like all the pressure is on you every play. The ball is in your hands every play so you have to get the ball to the right people and make the smart plays.
Q: What was it like to play junior college football at a place (Garden City Community College) where they have produced 39 NFL players over the years?
CN: I was awesome. We have great tradition there and we always bring in great players who have gone on to play divisions one football and then to the NFL. It is fun to watch and say I know that guy or I played with that guy.
Q: What was the competition like in the Jayhawk Conference?
CN: It is very good. Butler County has won a couple of national championships and Coffeyville is always strong. Also, there are division one players throughout the whole Jayhawk Conference.
Q: Was the transition from Garden City to here easier with three teammates (Bo Greer, Anthony Kilby and OJ Swift) coming with you?
CN: Yes, it was a lot easier. Bo Greer welcomed me here and two other guys came with me so it is a lot easier when somebody can vouch for you that you are a half way decent player.
Q: Your dad played college basketball at Nebraska; did you ever think of playing basketball at the college level?
CN: I thought about it but I just thought about what I liked more and I like to be on the football field more. The atmosphere is a lot greater I think.
Q: What is the craziest thing you or one of your teammates has said in a huddle?
CN: Chris you just knocked that cheerleader from Wyoming in the head with that pass out of bounds.
Q: Who said it?
CN: Hank (Baskett), I think.
Q: What part in any movie that you have seen would you want to play and why?
CN: Vince Vaughn in Wedding Crashers.
Q: If you could invite two people to dinner, who would it be and why?
CN: God because I believe he created everything and all things go through him, so I think it would be very interesting to sit down with him and see why things worked out the way they did. The other person is my Grandpa because he died the year I was born.
Q: What is the best stadium you have ever played in outside of here?
CN: Utah. The atmosphere there was great and they have a great stadium.
Q: What is your favorite type of music?
CN: Rock
Q: Give me the three best rock bands or artists of all times?
CN: Rolling Stones, Nirvana, Led Zeppelin.
Q: Favorite breakfast cereal?
CN: Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Q: Favorite food?
CN: Saggio’s Pizza.
Q: Do you like the red and green chile?
CN: I don’t like the red but the green is okay.
Q: Who do you think could win a high jump competition: Bo Greer, Anthony Kilby or Vince Natali and why?
CN: I think it would be close between Bo and Vince because Vince may be a little more athletic but Bo kind of has that cocky attitude that he thinks he could win, so I might give it to Bo.