Northern Star: Tate Nelson
Two Harbors senior to play for UMD in 2025
TWO HARBORS, Minn.- As a high school senior at Two Harbors, Tate Nelson will soon achieve his dreams of playing for the UMD football team.
“It’s a place that I’ve been cheering for all my life, going to games almost every weekend, just growing up around the team,” says Nelson. “It’s kind of been a spot that I’ve always been like, Well, have you sweet to go play there.”
However, Nelson is content with putting his dream on the backburner as he plays out his final year with the Agates.
“You know, when football season comes around, it’s always a great feeling. Just love the sport and getting back with the team and everything, you know, just being around the guys, it’s awesome,” smiles Nelson.
Tate’s father and head coach, Tom Nelson, can attest to his son’s development as both a football player and as a stand-up young man.
“He’s a team guy. He loves to see his teammates succeed,” says Coach Nelson. “I think he’d play anywhere we put him, as far as if we asked him to play on the line, he would probably do it. He enjoys the game of football, and so it’s been fun to be able to coach him as a son.”
“He definitely keeps me aware of myself and whatever else, and he pushes me to be the best I can, and I thank him a lot for what I’ve done in my career,” Tate says about his father. “Going forward, I just know I can thank him for everything he’s done for me.”
It’s clear that Tate’s game-breaking speed has made him an invaluable offensive weapon for the Agates. It’s likely one of the reasons why UMD was first interested in recruiting him. However, Tate knows he wouldn’t be scoring touchdowns or signing with the Bulldogs without the support of his teammates.
“It’s not just what I’m doing, it’s what everybody else is doing on the team,” Tate says. “So, I could care less how many carries I have, or if I get the ball or whatever else. I don’t care about my stats, as long as us as a team are winning and doing good and everybody’s having fun, I think that’s what matters most.”
Nelson opened the 2023 season with 98 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns in a win against Cloquet.
