Class 2013: Consistent lineman Mark Nelson set to be Nova Scotia high school darkhorse

Today, CFC features class 2013 star lineman for the Sir John A MacDonald Flames, Mark Nelson. Mark began his football career six seasons ago with the peewee Timberlea Titans.

Mark Nelson

Positions:
Offensive Line (right/left guard), Defensive Line

Height/Weight:
6’4, 225 lbs

Teams:
Sir John A MacDonald Flames (high school: NSSAFFL)
Timberlea Renegades/Halifax Redhawks (junior varsity: NSVFL)
Timberlea Titans (peewee)

Commitment:
None

Consideration:
Acadia, Mount Allison, Saint Mary’s, St. Francis Xavier, Open

Class:
2013

Among the teams Mark has played for include the peewee Timberlea Titans, the Timberlea Renegades/Halifax Redhawks of the Nova Scotia Varsity Football League (NSVFL) and his high school team, the Sir John A MacDonald Flames of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL).

For the past two seasons, the Flames lineman has experienced success on the field. In 2010, he was a rookie on the Flames team that was finalists in the NSSAFFL Tier 1 championship game. The team lost ou tin the final against the eventual winners, the Citadel Phoenix. For his stellar play on the field this past season (2011), the league recognized Mark’s efforts by selecting him to the Scotia Division second all-star team in an offensive line position.

In 2011 with the Flames, Mark experienced a great and special moment during the last regular season game against the Cobequid Education Centre Cougars.

“It was late in the fourth quarter and the Cougars were closing in on a touchdown that would win the game,” explains the Flames lineman of the experience. “I was given the opportunity to play on the defensive line and on the third down; I slipped through the offensive line and sacked the quarterback.”

“It was the most amazing experience for a transplanted offensive line that normally doesn’t get the opportunity to make a tackle.”

The greatest influence on Mark’s playing career has been Flames head coach Alan Wetmore. Not only has Wetmore trained the Flames lineman for the past two seasons, but has also served as his trainer at the Ultimate Athlete Factory in Halifax.

“Coach Wetmore showed me how amazing football is and he helped me get aggressive on the field,” adds Mark. “If it weren’t for him, I probably would not be where I am today!”

Another individual that has played a role in Mark’s success as a lineman is Flames offensive line coach, Dan Campbell.

“Coach Campbell has taught me everything I know about the offensive line and the importance of teamwork on the field,” comments the Flames player.

However, Mark gives credit to Timberlea Titans and Timberlea Renegades offensive line coach, Lou Huelin for getting to him interested in the game.

“Of mention is the man who told me about the Timberlea Titans and said, “I looked like a football player”, “says the Flames standout of Huelin.

Away from the gridiron, Mark is an admitted “workout junkie”. Furthermore, he has played hockey since the age of five and enjoys longboarding in his spare time. As for future career plans, the Flames lineman would like to enter the field of electrical engineering.

Consequently from the game of football, Mark has learned the importance of teamwork.

“There may be 40 guys on a team, but to reach your ultimate goal everyone must do their job together and perform as a team,” explains Mark. “No other sport creates such a sense of comradery or need for teamwork.”

Flames head coach Wetmore says that the Flames lineman has been dubbed “Mr. Consistent.” He is the model of consistency and continually works hard in the goal of being the best at his position.

“With Mark you always get his best and he will be unaffected by the ups and downs as he is steady as a rock and full of potential,” comments the Flames head coach. “A great kid with yet another high level work ethic as he is completely committed to getting better and being his best.”

“He has no problem putting the work in to get there.”

Wetmore explains Mark’s playing style and how that will fit into the Flames future plans, which will ultimately help him in his university football career.

“Mark is a tall, long armed offensive tackle that is very muscular and lean with great athleticism,” says the Flames head coach. “His leanness will inevitably lead him to a defensive end position in university.”

“He mwill play a lot of defensive end and three technique for the Flames this year to prepare him for his unavoidable future.”

Overall, Mark is dependable and an asset to any team he does play on in the future. Also, Wetmore is anticipating great things from the Flames lineman in 2012.

“Mark is a great young man who gels well with his teammates,” adds Wetmore. “He never misses a practice or a training session and never has a silly excuse and he is a young man you can count on.”

“I think he will be big dark horse in the 2012 high school football season.”

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