Reggie Nelson attended Palm Bay High School in Melbourne, Florida where he was a two-year starter, earning first team all-state honors each year. Reggie was recruited by Florida State, but decided to attend Florida instead. After failing to qualify academically, Reggie enrolled in Coffeyville Community College in Kansas. As a freshman, Reggie totaled 72 tackles and 6 interceptions. He blocked four kicks and returned a punt for a touchdown. Reggie transferred to Florida where he saw action in all 11 games with 4 starts, totaling 46 tackles, 4 sacks, and an interception on the season. Reggie tore a knee ligament prior to the team’s bowl game, effectively ending his season. He had surgery to repair in the offseason and was able to make a full recovery prior to the beginning of the season. As a junior, Reggie served as a member of the leadership committee. He started all 12 games, finishing with 48 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 5 pass breakups on the year. He averaged 7.8 yards per punt return on 12 attempts. He also blocked a punt against LSU. He was named first team all-SEC at the conclusion of the season. Reggie still has another year of eligibility left; however, he has opted to skip his senior season to enter the 2007 NFL draft.

Reggie Nelson has been starting at free safety for the Gators for the past two seasons, having spent the previous season at Coffeyville Community College. Reggie has a good combination of size and speed for a safety. He has good instincts and always seems to be around the action. He is a good coverage safety who makes a lot of plays on the football while it’s in the air (10 PBU 5 INT in 06). He is an aggressive run defender and an extremely hard hitter with good tackling skills. Reggie can be a bit overaggressive at times and he doesn’t always take the best angle to the ballcarrier. He is a bit on the slim side for a safety; as a result, he may have trouble matching up against bigger, more physical receivers. He would benefit from bulking up and increasing his strength. He only has two years of division I experience and he has yet to reach his full potential. Reggie Nelson has a good deal of upside and is one of the best defensive backs available this year. He could project as a free safety or cornerback at the next level. He has a chance to be the first safety off the board and a first round pick in the 2007 NFL draft.