Injury nagging Shorecrest grad, Huskies tackle

  • JOHN SLEEPER / Herald Writer
  • Wednesday, September 27, 2000 9:00pm
  • Sports

By JOHN SLEEPER

Herald Writer

SEATTLE – Rock Nelson hesitated slightly when asked how his back felt.

“Pretty good, man,” said the Washington Huskies’ 290-pound junior tackle. “Hey, I’m playing.”

For a time, the prospects of Nelson playing at all weren’t good. A herniated disk kept him out of the majority of fall camp, and he didn’t play at all in the Huskies’ first two games, against Idaho and Miami.

In fact, UW coach Rick Neuheisel questioned whether Nelson would play again.

So it was a surprise to many observers to watch Nelson in on about 30 snaps against Colorado. And now, it appears that Nelson, a Shorecrest High School grad, will play extensively Saturday against Oregon.

The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for Nelson. After the Huskies beat Colorado, he was able to take a few practices off to rest and heal. The soreness wasn’t limited to his back. His body was screaming from the pounding he hadn’t felt since the early days of fall camp.

“It was fortunate that we had a week off to let him rest,” Neuheisel said. “He was just plain football sore. But he’s played himself into good shape and he’ll be available for considerable action on Saturday.”

It’s a remarkable comeback for Nelson. The only time his back would hurt was when he moved. Or when he breathed. Or when he slept. Or when he sat. Or when he stood.

“There was a point when I wasn’t sure when I’d come back,” he said. “I don’t know. It’s kind of a mysterious thing. Sometimes it feels good, sometimes it feels terrible. Lately, it’s been better. It hasn’t been great, but better. It’s almost back.”

  • Hooks update: Wideout Wilbur Hooks is all but out of Saturday’s game with an irregular heartbeat. Although doctors have found nothing abnormal in the structure and dynamics of his heart, Hooks is seeing specialists this week to determine the nature of the irregularity.

    Hooks has not practiced this week. But if specialists give him the green light, Hooks may play.

    “It’s really out of our control as coaches,” Neuheisel said. “It’s really up to the doctors, their feeling comfortable about him being able to participate. The last thing in the world you want to have happen is have anything go wrong with somebody’s heart.”

    Other than Hooks, the Huskies appear to be at near-full strength. Linebacker Ben Mahdavi (ankle), reserve safety Owen Biddle (ankle) and nose tackle Ossim Hatem (elbow) may be available against Oregon.

  • Noise, noise, noise: The Huskies are piping in crowd noise in a field-level speaker system to simulate the decibel level at Autzen Stadium Saturday. Also, the UW band has been blaring during the last stages of football practice.
    Talk to us

    > Give us your news tips.

    > Send us a letter to the editor.

    > More Herald contact information.

  • More in Sports

    Meadowdale’s Kyairra Roussin takes the ball to the hoop during the game against Archbishop Murphy on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Prep girls basketball roundup for Friday, Feb. 7

    Kyairra Roussin’s deep buzzer-beater lifts Meadowdale over Stanwood.

    Prep boys basketball roundup for Friday, Feb. 7

    Lake Stevens passes Mariner in league standings to take final district slot.

    Seattle head coach Mike Holmgren watches his team against Washington Sunday, November 9, 2003. (George Bridges / KRT / Tribune News Services)
    No Holmgren in Hall is a travesty

    The Former Seahawks coach carries a resume superior to many already in the HOF.

    A Snohomish School District truck clears the parking lot at Glacier Peak High School on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (Aaron Coe / The Herald)
    Inclement weather cancellations strain high school sports calendar

    With state tournaments on the horizon, ADs from Wesco, Northwest and Kingco must be flexible

    Gonzaga overcomes stagnant start to beat LMU

    Bulldogs get ‘best of best’ play down the stretch in 73-53 win.

    Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates during a stop of the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field on Nov. 24, 2024 (Photo courtesy of Rod Mar / Seattle Seahawks)
    Leonard Williams restructures Seahawks deal

    More moves may be coming as Seattle deals with salary cap.

    Former Archbishop Murphy High School stars, Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (6) and Seahawks right tackle Abraham Lucas (72), prepare for play at Soldier Field in Chicago on Dec. 26, 2024. Though Lucas is likely to return as a starter, Seattle's interior line needs offseason upgrades. (Photo courtesy of Edwin Hooper / Seattle Seahawks)
    The Seahawks offensive line needs work

    A mix free agency and draft could lead to upgraded interior.

    UW men stumble in second half, fall to Nebraska

    The three-pointers that fell so frequently — and from a… Continue reading

    Edmonds-Woodway’s William Alseth dribbles the ball down the court during the game against Shorewood on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Edmonds-Woodway boys basketball enters playoffs on high note

    The Warriors never let up in 63-43 win vs. Shorewood on Tuesday to secure Wesco South 3A/2A title

    Prep basketball roundup for Tuesday, Feb. 4

    Parker powers Seagulls to district berth.

    Kraken rally to force overtime, fall in shootout

    Streaking Red Wings too much for young Kraken lineup that showed some promise.

    Slivertips’ Clarke Schaefer tries to maneuver around Medicine Hat’s Josh Van Mulligen during the game on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Tips Week in Review: Everett splits slate in high-scoring week

    The Silvertips were outscored 24-18 in four games this week, losing two to the next-best WHL teams

    Support local journalism

    If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.