Cornerback Steven Nelson discusses journey to Oregon State

While the defense for the Oregon State Beavers has caught a lot of flack so far this season, one player who has performed exceptionally well is cornerback Steven Nelson. Tied for the national lead in interceptions with four, Nelson made one of the biggest plays of OSU’s season against the San Diego State Aztecs, returning a pick for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to allow the Beavers to escape with a 34-30 victory.

Nelson’s success, however, has not come easy. He started his career at the College of the Sequoias, revealing in a recent interview that his poor attitude in high school prevented him from receiving the D-I offers he rightfully deserved:

"Basically, I was slacking off in high school. I wasn’t an (NCAA) qualifier. I didn’t realize until my senior year that I was actually good — and maybe I should have been working hard (in the classroom) all of high school. By then, it was too late. Man, it was hard times being at junior college watching all my friends play Division-I when I knew I should be there, I can play on that level (Oregon Live)."

Nelson, after a year of junior college, first wanted to go play for the Georgia Bulldogs, his favorite team from when he was a child, but he quickly realized that with only two years of eligibility remaining, it was unlikely he’d receive a lot of playing time on a talent-rich Georgia squad. So Nelson selected Oregon State instead, influenced by the incredible success he saw current Philadelphia Eagle Jordan Poyer have during his career as a Beaver.

When the Beavers take on Colorado this weekend, Nelson will have to be dialed-in and focused. The Buffaloes, 2-0 on the year, sport wide receiver Paul Richardson, the national leader in receiving yards per game in 2013 with 208.5.

[Source: Oregon Live]