Big 12 rules against ISU transfer Nelson

AMES – Depth on Iowa State's already short-handed defensive line took another hit Thursday with news that newcomer Rony Nelson won't be playing this season.

The Big 12 Conference's faculty athletics representatives ruled the junior college defensive end can enroll and take classes at ISU but must redshirt this season. Nelson will have two years of eligibility starting in 2011.

Nelson is able to practice and was on the field with the rest of the Cyclones Thursday on the first day of preseason camp.

Coach Paul Rhoads said Nelson took a pair of summer school classes at Yuba (Calif.) Community College to put himself into position to play. He came to Ames in January, only to discover he wasn't fully qualified by NCAA standards.

“We immediately pulled him out of school and did everything right,” Rhoads said.

“Rony's done everything we've asked him to do. He has been paying his own rent, paying for his food because he wants to be in this program. He hung his head in disgust and was very disappointed (with the decision.)”

Nelson, who is from Miami, Fla., had 16.5 sacks last season after registering 11 sacks his first year at Yuba.

ISU is down a pair of senior starters from last year's team and potential starting tackle Austin Alburtis decided not to return to the team after graduating this summer.

Conference faculty reps were favorable in even granting Nelson academic eligibility.

“He's actually one of the few who have been allowed into school,” Rhoads said, “but they did it with the caveat that he's got to redshirt and show he can handle the academic work.”

ISU will practice again today and be in full pads Saturday.

Thursday's work was typical for the first work of the season, Rhoads said.

“There was good there was bad,” he said. “There was enthusiasm, there was hustle, there was a lot of mistakes. There were young guys who don't understand how to practice at this level yet…usual first day.”

One position group he was concerned with was the quarterbacks.

Rhoads called them out during his post-practice speech in front of the entire team, telling them to throw the ball away instead of into coverage.

“We threw way too many interceptions,” Rhoads said. “I can't recall a first day of training camp with one at the most. We had at least three out here today. That's completely uncalled for with our offense.”