Gunner Nelson is a 6’0, 190 lb quarterback that shows lots of promise. Gunner is a member of the class of 2025, and attends Katy High School in Katy, Texas. Gunner is known for his prolific arm strength and accuracy. He shows immense poise and presence in the pocket, rarely taking sacks. Gunner is a very smart player. He can read the defense like a picture book and always find the open man. This accuracy and football IQ is highlighted by the fact Gunner only threw 2 interceptions the whole season. While the Katy Tigers may have been run- heavy this year, that didn’t stop Gunner from showing out. In 11 games, Gunner threw for 1,289 yards and 17 touchdowns on a stellar 78/115 completion rate. He added to those stats with an impressive 137.6 quarterback rating. Gunner’s arm strength is bolstered by the work he puts in the weight room. This season Gunner bench pressed 215 lbs, squatted 315 lbs, and power cleaned 205 lbs. As I previously stated, Gunner has a high football IQ. He spends countless hours studying the film, plays, and just the overall game. He is a very hard worker who does not let adversity deter him. He understands that knowledge of the game is one of the best attributes you can posses as a quarterback. While he shows immense intelligence on the field, Gunner is no different off the field. He currently boasts an impressive 3.4 out of 4.0 GPA. This most recent season, Gunner was awarded 3rd Team All- District Honors as well as Academic All- District. A very precise quarterback, Gunner is someone to look out for next season.
What is your biggest strength on the football field?
I would definitely say my composure and ability to maintain the offense, even when things aren’t going well for us. I want to keep everyone’s head in the game and take the steps that we need to win the game.
Why do you love the game of football?
What really made me fall in love with the game was growing up around it. Moving to Katy where everyone is so football focused and loves the game, definitely influenced my feelings towards it. That being said, I picked the football path and have stuck with it since a young kid.
You guys had that tough overtime loss to Cy-Fair in the Area Finals of the Texas High School Football Playoffs. What are you and the team learning from that loss to bring into next season?
We learned to not take things for granted. You can’t overlook anyone, you have to lock in and focus on the game at hand. You have to take it one day at a time. We show up to practice everyday and consistently do our thing, so I have high hopes for us next season.
What are some goals for yourself, and your team next season?
We want to come back stronger than we were last season. We start off with two out of district games which we need to win, and use that as fuel all the way to the State Championship. Personally, I want to throw at least 20 touchdowns this year.
How do you think participating on 7 on 7 teams like South Texas Elite help hone your skills?
One of the main things is that it helps you learn how to read defenses. That is mainly why I play 7 on 7. You have to understand game situations and what the defense is trying to do.
What is your dream college, and have you been in any talks with colleges recently?
I just got a junior day invite to Houston Christian University. James Madison University also reached out to me recently as well as some D2 schools. If I had to pick a dream college I would probably say Texas State. It’s close to home and the campus is beautiful.
Is there any QB that you try and emulate or you think you play like?
A QB that I watch a lot, but not necessarily base my game off of is Kirk Cousins. Especially how he handles himself off the field. I watched the Netflix series he was in, “Quarterback”, and seeing the amount of time he spends on football off the field is inspiring. He goes through plays everyday and understands every job on the field, not just his.
What has been your biggest improvement since you started playing?
The biggest improvement in my game is staying in the pocket longer. I used to struggle with letting plays develop and trusting my offensive line. We have a very good offensive line coming into next season so that also helps. I would also my delivery of the ball on time is another attribute I have worked on a lot.
What is the most challenging part of playing quarterback?
You have to understand every little thing going on. You gotta know the play clock, time left, down and distance, formation, and so much more. You have to know everything going on around you while also knowing your own assignment.
Do you have a favorite personal highlight from your playing career?
I faked the left side and rolled out right. The defender came up field where I was rolling out and I made a move on him and stepped up. There was another guy running at me as I threw it in the corner of the endzone over 2 defenders on a rope.
Do you have a way too early Super Bowl winner prediction for next season?
I have to say the Falcons. They have a top receiving core now and they just got Kirk Cousins. I think that combined with Bijan and Pitts will be a scary sight for defenses.
You must be logged in to post a comment.