Nebraska City senior quarterback MJ Nelson made his announcement official this week by signing to Peru State College to play football. 

Although Nelson has only spent three seasons suited up in the Pioneer purple and gold, he still credits coaches, teammates and the community for his success.

“I moved here my sophomore year,” Nelson said. “Before I lived in Texas. I feel like they (Nebraska City) really welcomed me into this aspect of life. I just really appreciate everything that they (Nebraska City) have done for me.” 

The three-sport athlete amassed more than seventeen hundred total yards and 23 total touchdowns during his senior season. However, Nelson says there is still work to be done in the offseason.

“I’ve been lifting,” Nelson said. “I’m trying to put on a little more weight—trying to get a little bigger.”

Nelson will join a depleted Peru State quarterback room after the Bobcats graduated 2021 starting quarterback Joey Dominguez and senior Sohail Mohsini, leaving freshman Parker Gutschow as the lone quarterback that received playing time last season. Nelson, however, doesn’t eye seeing the pine this year for the Bobcats.

“I mean, I’m going to try and play as much as I can,” Nelson said. “So yeah. I’m going for that starting position.”