Quenton Nelson’s strength went viral last month when the 2014 Notre Dame offensive line signee benched 225 pounds 26 times, more reps than several top prospects managed during the NFL Combine.
The 6-foot-5, 310-pounder from Holmdel, N.J., gave credit to Irish strength and conditioning coach Paul Longo’s workout program for helping him improve his strength, but Nelson also added that the workout plan didn’t quite call for his showing.
“After basketball season, I repped out and got 22,” Nelson said. “I’ve been working hard and following Coach Longo’s program. Benching 225 wasn’t exactly in the program, but the cameras were there and I just wanted to show off. Besides that, I’m strictly following Coach Longo’s program and it’s been helping me a lot with improving my strength and endurance.
“Coach Longo’s program is very different. It’s just an awesome workout. A lot of the workouts I’m doing are for endurance so during a game, when I’m tired, I’ll still be able to drive the defensive linemen and not be tired.”
Nelson said he “can’t wait” to report to Notre Dame, which he’ll do on June 14th.
“I think just being on the campus and being a student-athlete there should be fun,” he said. “I can’t wait to meet everyone in my class and play football with my brothers.”
He knows balancing school with football will be one of the biggest challenges.
“Academically, I’m going have to be able to manage my time a lot better with football, training and school,” he said. “That’ll be a little adjustment for me.”
Irish offensive line coach Harry Hiestand has given Nelson an indication of what to expect when he gets on the field.
“I think I’m going to come in and be taking reps at left guard,” said Nelson. “I’m not completely sure, either left guard or right tackle, but I think Coach Hiestand made it clear I’m coming in at left guard.”
He’s looking forward to continuing to grow as an athlete in South Bend.
“I’d like to play right away, but the goal for me is just to improve in everything; improve my body fat percentage, improve my technique with Coach Hiestand, improve my quickness and strength with Coach Longo,” he said.
Nelson received a lot of attention for his feats of strength, but he knows he has plenty of room to grow.
“Strength is just a little part of football. What I need to improve on is my technique and I can’t wait to be coached by Coach Hiestand because he’s going to make me into the best player I can be. I’m also excited to reach my potential and work hard every day.”
