Furman: All-Southern Conference performer and Furman's most experienced linebacker (29 career starts)...will again man the strong side position and team with returning all-conference middle linebacker Andrew Jones in giving the Paladins one of the SoCon's top linebacking corps...sports good speed and strength...posted a bench press of 425 pounds in spring testing...has played a key role in Furman posting a 29-10 record and earning three straight playoff appearances over the past three seasons. 2006 -- Earned starts at strong side linebacker in 11 of 12 games, missing only the first round playoff game versus Montana State (31-13 loss) after sustaining a knee injury (sprained MCL) in practice earlier that week...helped the Paladins to an 8-4 record, playoff berth, and No. 12 ranking in the Sports Network final national poll...racked up 55 tackles, including three for-loss, and a fumble recovery...registered a season high 10 tackles, including a tackle-for-loss, and a fumble recovery in a 24-13 win over Elon. 2005 -- Earned starts a strong side linebacker in 13 of Furman's 14 games, sitting out only the Samford game due to a concussion sustained early in a 41-21 loss at Western Carolina...racked up 76 tackles, including 13 for-loss...helped the Paladins go 11-3, advance to the NCAA I-AA playoff semifinals, and finish the campaign ranked No. 3 nationally...tallied a season high 12 tackles in a 45-6 win over Elon...had 10 tackles in a 34-31 win over Appalachian State. 2004 -- Took advantage of injuries in the linebacking corps to make a significant impact in his first season of action...played a pivotal role in helping Furman to a 10-3 record, SoCon championship, and NCAA I-AA quarterfinal playoff appearance...team finished the season with a No. 5 national ranking...was inserted into the starting lineup at strong side linebacker at midseason after William Freeman's move to middle linebacker...earned starts in five games and saw action in all 13 contests...totaled 53 tackles, six tackles-for-loss, a sack, and an interception...racked up six tackles versus The Citadel (33-14 win) in his first collegiate start...turned in a brilliant performance in a 29-22 win over nationally second-ranked Georgia Southern, totaling a career high 14 stops, including two tackles-for-loss...pickoff came against Elon (10-0 win)...helped Furman's defense pace the SoCon in scoring defense (16.6 ppg). 2003 -- Member of scout team...awarded redshirt and extra year of eligibility. High School: 2003 graduate of St. Pius High School...football coach was Paul Standard...started for two years and registered action at tailback, linebacker, and defensive end...had 20 tackles, a sack, and a quarterback pressure as a defensive end to go along with 503 yards rushing and five touchdowns as a senior...helped paced St. Pius to a 7-4 record in 2002 and only the program's fourth 4A state playoff appearance in 26 years. Personal: Full name is Gary John Nelson, Jr...son of Gary and Greta Nelson...born September 6, 1984, in Los Angeles, California...aunt, Cherie Nelson, was a three-time All-Pac-10 selection at Southern California and conference basketball player-of-the-year selection for the 1987-88 season...health and exercise science major.