Adam MacDonald
The Valdosta Daily Times
VALDOSTA —
VALDOSTA — When Valdosta State’s depth chart came out the week of the Wingate game, something didn’t look right.
Ronnye Nelson, a three-year starter at running back and a captain as a junior, was missing from the starting lineup.
Not only that, Nelson wasn’t even on the two-deep roster.
Instead, running backs David Arnold and David Bailey were No. 1 and No. 2, respectively.
Nelson, a senior, said he didn’t show up to camp in shape, like the other backs did, and they outworked him.
“I was used to being the starter, and some of the guys outworked me and came into camp in better shape than I did,” Nelson said. “I know it’s my senior year, and I wanted to perform.”
Not until the starters were announced did it hit Nelson that he wasn’t the main guy in the backfield. He said it motivated him to have a good game.
He was going to have to wait his turn, but not for very long. He didn’t start, but one of the Blazers’ best playmakers made his mark on just the fourth play from scrimmage. Nelson took a direct snap, and charged through the defense for a 53-yard touchdown.
Fellow running back Michael Brown sold the play, faking a carry to the outside that drew away a key defender, but it was Nelson who avoided being tripped up at the 5-yard line, and stumbled into the end zone for the first points of 2010.
He wasn’t done. Nelson totaled 202 all-purpose yards against Wingate. He ran for 83 yards on 10 carries, caught three passes for 49 yards, returned two punts for 40 yards, including a long of 37, and returned two kickoffs for 30 yards.
He helped set up VSU’s game-winning field goal when he made an acrobatic catch at midfield, and raced 22 yards into Daniel Andersen’s range.
“Well, I always believe in myself, and my coaches and teammates always believe in me,” Nelson said. “Any time I can get the ball in my hands, I feel like I can make a play.”
Now Nelson is looking for a repeat performance at Newberry this Saturday. The Blazers dressed nine backs against Wingate, but they will surely seek to get the ball in Nelson’s hands after his big performance last week.
“They have a really good secondary,” Nelson said. “They’re very physical. Their linebackers do a good job of filling the holes. They have a great defensive line. We’re hoping we can open up some holes and crease them a little bit.”
