Freshman Focus: Gavin Nelson

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Nov 2

Wrestling

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Nov 9

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Nov 15

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There are seven newcomers to the Minnesota wrestling team for the 2023-24 season. In order to get to know them better, GopherSports.com is doing Q&As with each. Up next, Gavin Nelson, a freshman from Inver Grove Heights, Minn. Nelson was a three-time state champion at Simley High School and a five-time state placewinner. He was the second-ranked pound-for-pound wrestler in Minnesota and the No. 1 ranked wrestler in his class at 220 lbs., according to TheGuillotine, as well as the No. 23 wrestler on MatScouts' Class of 2023 Big Board.

Nelson is 6-4 at 197 pounds in his freshman season with one pin and four major decisions. He's recorded a runner-up finish at the Bison Open and Daktronics Open, as well as a fourth-place finish at the Cougar Clash.

GopherSports.com: How did you get into wrestling?

Gavin Nelson: "I started wrestling at the age of six. I was bigger then a lot of the other kids and was a pretty rough soccer player, so my parents thought wrestling was a good option."

GS: When did you realize you might be able to compete in college?

GN: "I think I realized I had a opportunity to wrestle at a college level at a pretty young age. I've had success in wrestling since I was a little kid, and wrestling in college was always one of my goals."

GS: What was your recruiting process like?

GN: "I committed really early into my recruiting process. Minnesota was the first school that reached out to me, and it was very clear to me very early this is the right place to be."

GS: What made you decide on Minnesota?

GN: "Great facilities, coaches, teammates, close to home, and much more."

GS: What differences have you noticed between high school and college wrestling?

GN: "It's much tougher when you wrestle; you wrestle with a purpose and constantly are going full-go."

GS: How would you describe your wrestling style?

GN: "I think I am a savvy bull. What I mean by that is I'm pretty confident in my scrambling and ability to end matches, but overall I stay in good position and am very powerful."

GS: Are there any particular teammates who have taken you under their wing and helped in your transition to college?

GN: "No, but if I ever needed to, I know there are many guys that would take me under there wing."

GS: Do you have any pre-match rituals?

GN: "I have a stretch routine I do before every match, I always listen to music, and pass."

GS: Are there any particular wrestlers you look up to or try to emulate?

GN: "Kyle Snyder and Kyle Dake."

GS: What is something you are looking forward to in your time as a Gopher?

GN: "Building ties with my brothers and new family and becoming an NCAA champ."

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Gavin Nelson

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