October 20, 2010
Tom Halliburton
The Port Arthur News
PORT NECHES – Jared Wingfield really amounted to nothing more, nothing less than the truth.
But it’s a thought that surprised Jayce Nelson a bit. Now it’s a thought that can’t mess with Jayce’s mind.
The Port Neches-Groves offensive coordinator and receivers coach commented Wednesday morning about his junior wide receiver, Nelson, who seems to make about one eye-opening catch each game.
No, this was not some careless youth yapping too much. This was a seasoned coach measuring his words carefully.
“Jayce could be the best receiver PN-G has ever had,” Wingfield said.
So how did that statement hit the 16-year-old son of James and Donnah Nelson of Groves?
“That would be great,” said Nelson who was told to soak in the remark only in a positive way. “I don’t know about being the best one PN-G’s ever had. Amir (Jalali) is pretty good.”
The 6-2, 165-pound junior possesses 4.7 “game speed”, maybe faster.
That’s enough about what Nelson might accomplish. The Indians receiver COULD already say he has made some of the most entertaining circus catches that a PN-G receiver has ever made. And Jayce would be right.
Nelson has that height advantage that’s becoming more and more pivotal for receivers at the college and pro levels. That’s the kind of height Spencer DeRon (6-3) had last year.
Wingfield can delight in many of Nelson’s physical attributes but the best thing about Jayce is his ability to catch the ball. That definitely catches one’s attention when Jayce climbs his imaginary ladder and makes a circus catch.
Nelson leads District 20-4A in most touchdown receptions with six but Nelson plays second fiddle in several district receiving categories. Jayce trails teammate Jalali in most 20-4A receptions, 47-45.
The Indians (3-4 and 2-2) host Little Cypress-Mauriceville (6-1 and 3-1) on The Reservation this Friday at 7:30 on homecoming night. This year’s homecoming opponent, LC-M will arrive with the league’s receiving-yardage leader – Bears senior Zack Sonnier (652 yards). Nelson is one 12-yard catch behind him at 640.
It’s hard to argue with Nelson’s penchant for acrobatic or dramatic catches. He leaped to stars for a one-handed catch in the Livingston game. He tipped one ball from one hand to the other in mid-air and maintained possession on his descent against Ozen last week.
Each game, win or lose, Indians fans can walk away in amazement, wondering ‘How did Jayce do that?’
Nelson rightfully is modest about those eye-opening catches.
“It starts the line and when (QB Brennan) Doty puts it in the perfect spot every single time,” Nelson said. “But I don’t know how I catch with one hand. It just happens.”
Wingfield understandably is modest about the coaching aspect of Nelson’s eye-openers, too. It’s certainly not something that Jared or any receivers coach can coach. Or is it?
Well, Nelson gives enormous credit for Wingfield for imparting his knowledge on how to catch the ball.
“I learned it from coach Wingfield,” he said. “He has me focus on the point of the ball where the stitches cross and hopefully I get it in my hands.”
Wingfield told Nelson last year that he would be pulled up to PN-G’s varsity as a sophomore if an injury sidelined a front-line receiver. That injury never occurred and Nelson never worked with the varsity before the 2009 playoffs. But the spring training and the 7-on-7 summer progress helped Jayce to blossom into a solid starter.
Another wise move that Nelson made throughout this first year as a starter is he’s been very coachable.
“He asks a lot of questions,” Wingfield said. “He’s smart. He understands how to get open, how to get leverage, how to put himself in position (to make his receptions).”
Oh yeh, there’s another PN-G coach who appreciates Nelson, too – Brandon Faircloth.
“Jayce makes some of my play calls a lot better than I think they are,” the Indians chief smiled.
That’s what great players do for great coaches.
Indian Inklings
Throughout Brandon Faircloth’s athletic career, the Indians chief says he has played or coached on one other team with four losses. Odessa Permian went 9-4 in 2006, his first year as offensive coordinator in Mojo Land…. The 2010 homecoming parade will begin tonight for the Indians football team. The Indians players will ride down Merriman and head to Indian Stadium from the Port Neches Middle School at 7:30 p.m. PN-G will name the 2010 Indian Sweetheart in pre-game ceremonies on Friday night at 7 p.m. One of three senior nominees will be honored with the title. Those finalists are Mallory Gilbert, Katelyn Provost and Natalie Hager….. The 2010 homecoming dance will begin in the PN-G cafeteria immediately after the game….
Source: http://panews.com/sports/x693284161/Nelson-amazes-with-dazzling-catches
