Carter Nelson Update: Where things stand in the four-star tight end’s recruitment after Notre Dame OV

As a three-sport athlete who participates in football, basketball and track, it was difficult for Ainsworth (Neb.) High class of 2024 tight end Carter Nelson to get out and see a handful of schools over the past few months.

The four-star prospect visited the in-state Nebraska Cornhuskers a few times, but he seldom able to leave the state. Notre Dame has been a top contender for Nelson since offering him a scholarship last November, but it hadn’t been since that month that he visited campus.

Nelson made his return trip to South Bend over the weekend for an all-expenses paid, 48-hour official visit, and according to his father, Jake Nelson, everything went well.

“The last time we were there was a quick trip for the Boston College game,” the elder Nelson told Blue & Gold. “The weather didn’t cooperate for us to get around campus, so this time we got to see really see all of the historical places on campus and soak it all in.

“Hanging out with the coaching staff and seeing how much of a family atmosphere it is was really neat for Sandi and me as parents looking at where we could possibly be sending our son in the future. That was a really good thing.

“Carter really enjoyed the other recruits and commits that were there. It stuck out to him how well he got along with those guys.”

A big aspect of the visit was Irish offensive coordinator Gerad Parker breaking down how Nelson would be used in South Bend.

“They talked a lot about how they want to use Carter and how important he could be to their offense once he develops,” Nelson’s father continued. “He’s such a dynamic player that could help right away and for the push towards a championship run in the future. Seeing where they’re planning on putting him and how they’ll use them is the first time we’ve gotten to do that, so that was really good for us.”

Parker serving as Notre Dame’s tight ends coach as well is a factor going in the Irish’s favor in Nelson’s recruitment.

“There were definitely good vibes with Coach Parker,” the elder Nelson said. “He got to know Carter a lot better over the weekend, and Carter got to know him a lot better. When he got named offensive coordinator, Carter was one of the first people to text him congratulations on that.

“It’s a pretty big deal to have the tight ends coach as the offensive coordinator. That would definitely help out a lot.”

Thus far, Nelson has taken official visits to Georgia and Notre Dame. Next up is a trip to Penn State June 16 followed by Nebraska June 23. These programs look to be the top contenders for Nelson.

“Right now, those are the four he’s scheduling his officials with,” Jake Nelson said. “The three out-of-state schools he really hasn’t had a chance to see a lot. He had only been to Georgia for half a day and Notre Dame for a quick game. And he hasn’t been to Penn State yet, so those are three he made sure to get officials with.

“Nebraska being the home state school — we wanted to do an official with them and get a better feel for them.

“He’s hoping to have a decision made after these four [visits]. He would rather not do anymore officials, but if he doesn’t feel 100 percent comfortable with a decision, then he may take another down the road or even some unofficials if it’s one of these schools that he’s trying to narrow it between.”

Of the four programs Nelson is closely considering, they all have tight end commits, and Georgia already has two. But this is not something that Nelson is looking at as a factor in his process.

“Carter has said it in other interviews — he’s not afraid to compete,” Nelson’s father stated. “He knows what his potential is, and I don’t think who else is committed there will deter him. He looks at the team aspect of something that helps the team that much better. It’s not something that will weigh in on his decision.”

The 6-4, 215-pounder ranks as the nation’s No. 79 overall player and No. 5 tight end according to the 2024 On3 Industry Ranking.

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