Monday afternoon in Key West Florida Mekhi Nelson was arrested for aggravated assault which is being reported as a felony offense. The Monroe County Sherriff’s office reported an altercation between a man and a woman at the Blue Flamingo Resort around noon. Upon investigation, the woman claimed she and Nelson had gotten into an argument that escalated to the point of him ripping her swimsuit and causing scratches on her stomach and leg. The woman said she was seven months pregnant.
Neither Nelson nor his lawyers have yet to release a statement on his behalf. The Nebraska Athletic Department is aware of the situation and has not issued any statement as to where things stand concerning Nelson’s status with the team. This type of behavior usually means a suspension until a clear understanding of the event comes to light. At which time Nelson’s future with Nebraska football will be determined.
I’m still a believer in the old saying, “innocent until proven guilty.” However, over the last several years that saying has gone the other way, “guilty until proven innocent.” In this case, I’m not sure it matters who did what. Well, it does, but what I’m saying is, as far as Nelson and Nebraska football is concerned, I don’t see this going well for either party. You don’t want to rush to judgement, but in this case, using the Ray Rice incident as precedent, I anticipate Nelson no longer being part of the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team going forward.
The real concern should be for the victim and Mekhi Nelson to get the help he needs. Anything concerning football is secondary at his point. But setting that aside, what does this really mean for Nebraska football? It wouldn’t be crazy to say his career as a Husker could very well be over.
The Huskers were thin at running back and several fans were already concerned that the Huskers should have added another body through the portal. Nelson was being counted as one of the main contributors this coming season along with Isiah Mozee. After an especially impressive spring, true freshman Jamal Rhule is also looked at as someone who will see substantial playing time this fall. Without Nelson Nebrasak would have 4 running backs on their roster. Regardless of who lines up in the backfield, there is no one who comes in with production from last season.
2025 Stats
Mekhi Nelson – Sophomore, 27 carries, 147 yards, 2 TDs, 5.4 yards per carry. 8 receptions for 102 yards.
Isaiah Mozee – Sophomore, 26 carries, 115 yards, 0 TDs, 4.4 yards per carry. 14 receptions for 155 yards.
Kwinton Ives – Junior, 20 carries, 133 yards, 2 TDs, 6.7 yards per carry. 3 receptions for 43 yards.
Conner Booth – Redshirt Freshman, 3 carries, 6 yards, 0 TDs, 2.0 yards per carry. 2 receptions for 11 yards.
Jamal Rule – Freshman, (Spring Game) 10 carries, 119 yards, 13.2 yards per carry, 1 TD. 1 reception for 15 yards. Longest run of the day, 75-yards. If you exclude his long run, he had a 4.88 yard per carry average.
With it being the recruiting dead period, this is a down time for coaches. One would think running backs coach EJ Barthel will have an uneasy next few days thinking about his next move. Unless someone separates themselves when fall practice starts it appears Mozee and Rule will split starting time with Booth and Ives spelling them as needed.
Will we see one or both Trent Uhlir and Vincent Genatone return to the backfield? Both were standout running backs in high school and both have seen practice time at running back since becoming Huskers. Now linebackers, we may see them move to add depth to a depleted backfield because in all likely hood, Nelson is done for the season.
GO BIG RED!! SIMPLE, FAST, VIOLENT!!
Photos courtesy of the Falls City Journal Home – Falls City Journal – Falls City, NE
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