NOTES: Chaparral’s Nelson putting self, school on recruiters’ radars

College recruiters often see Chaparral's football field from the highway as they drive past to see local prospects.

A few of those coaches are actually stopping at the school this season thanks in part to senior Richard Nelson.

Nelson, a running back/outside linebacker, has helped put the Cowboys in position to contend for the Division I-A Sunrise League title and could be one of the rare players from the school to sign a letter of intent.

"Richard, he's a pioneer for this whole program as far as getting recognition for the lower level in the future," Chaparral coach Paul Nihipali said. "We're hoping that something will pan out with him, and other kids can see that and other kids can use that as an example to follow. It kind of trickles down from there."

Nelson currently has a scholarship offer from Weber State and also is drawing interest from Northern Arizona and UNR. Nihipali said an assistant from Cal recently was at the school and contacted Nelson.

Will Hernandez (Texas-El Paso, 2013) is the only player from Chaparral to sign with a Football Bowl Subdivision school in recent seasons.

"I'm hoping to get a few more offers and a few more schools looking," Nelson said. "It's always been a goal. That's the reason I came here."

Nelson was a second-team All-Sunrise League selection at running back as a junior and has 12 touchdowns this season, including three interception returns for scores.

Nihipali said the 6-foot-2-inch, 200-pound Nelson projects as an outside linebacker at the college level.

"Last year I was out three games due to a sprained ankle, so I didn't get to show my full potential," Nelson said. "This season, I'm healthy, and I'm doing way better. I'm able to show my full potential, that's what I'm happy about."

Nelson is averaging 10.8 yards per carry and leads Chaparral with 386 rushing yards and six TDs, in addition to seven receptions for 147 yards and two scores.

Nelson was a member of Chaparral's 400-meter relay team that won the Division I-A state title in May, and his speed excites recruiters, according to Nihipali.

"I just have to keep working hard every game. Nothing more, nothing less," Nelson said. "I give it my all. I'm fast, aggressive and a smart player. I know what to do."

* POLL POSITIONS — Western debuted at No. 13 in this week's USA Today/National Soccer Coaches Association of America Region VIII boys poll. Green Valley, which handed the Warriors (13-1-2) their only loss on Aug. 29, fell one spot to No. 8 in the rankings.

Arbor View moved up one place to No. 7 in the USA Today/NSCAA Region VI girls poll, and Coronado remained at No. 14.

* LOCALS CHOSEN FOR NATIONAL TEAM — Basic sophomore Jordan Gallegos and Foothill sophomore Jared Ables and were chosen to compete in the seventh annual International Bowl, USA Football announced.

Gallegos will play for the Under-17 team, while Ables was picked for the Under-16 roster. Both teams will play Team Canada on Feb. 5, 2016, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. It is the third consecutive year Gallegos was chosen for the event, which features games in six age groups.

Micah Gallegos, a seventh-grader at Lake Mead, was selected to the Under-14 team.

— Contact reporter David Schoen at dschoen@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203. Follow him on Twitter: @DavidSchoenLVRJ.