Akron’s Nelson returns home

Quarterback helped win a state title at Flanagan

BOCA RATON — Akron quarterback Kato Nelson could have taken the easy route.

He had every chance to continue his playing career in South Florida, where he grew up. Instead, he wanted more of a challenge.

The decision has brought him back home and put him in position to potentially be part of the biggest upset in bowl history. A redshirt freshman, he will lead the Zips against heavily favored Florida Atlantic on Tuesday in the Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl. Akron is a 22.5-point underdog, the largest spread this postseason.

“It feels good not only for me but my teammates,” Nelson said. “We have a lot of Florida guys on the team. Being back at home, you get the good weather. Back in Akron, it’s really snowing badly.”

Nelson, who graduated from Flanagan High School, was recruited by FAU. He thought about staying near his roots but made a decision he felt would help him improve as a person. He wanted to avoid the safety net of living hear his family.

“It was close,” Nelson said. “I committed to Akron early and FAU came in late and they really went hard after me. They were constantly contacting me and trying to get me there. The big thing was whether I wanted to stay home. I wanted to do something besides Florida and live away from home. I’m trying to grow up. If I’m close to my mom and dad, I’d be able to depend on them. I’m trying to make myself better as a person.”

As a sophomore, Nelson led Miami Champagnat to the Class 2A state title. He then transferred to Flanagan and won the Class 8A championship his senior season in 2015.

The success has continued at the collegiate level. After spending most of the year as the backup, he was named the starter when senior Tommy Woodson was sus-