Miami Hurricanes OT Zion Nelson transformation due to epic diet

Miami Hurricanes true freshman offensive tackle Zion Nelson has undergone a vast transformation in his body due to an epic diet and hard work in the weight room with new Miami strength and conditioning coach David Feeley.

Miami Hurricanes true freshman offensive tackle Zion Nelson entered college in January at 6’5 240 pounds. Nelson is now up to 290 pounds and 14 percent body fat due to an epic diet and hard work in the weight room and conditioning with New Miami strength and conditioning coach David Feeley.

A three-star signee from Sumter, South Carolina, Nelson has been a huge surprise by surging ahead of more established players on the Miami football roster to become the first-team left tackle. Nelson was committed to Appalachian State before signing with Miami. He has been routinely praised by the Miami coaching staff.

Nelson is the prototypical offensive lineman in new coach Butch Barry’s system. The New Miami offensive coaching staff wants lean, athletic linemen who can add muscle, as opposed to bigger linemen who must lose weight and convert fat to muscle. The scouting of Nelson and his hard work have paid off.

Nelson went on a high-calorie diet that seemed to promote multiple meals and protein shakes to help him put on weight. Nelson spoke about what he eat and drank during the offseason to help him get up to 290 pounds.

"“I was just eating as much as I could. In the morning I was having omelettes and potatoes and some juice. Then for lunch it would be PF Changs some times, and then at dinner we go to training table and it is grilled chicken and pasta. At night, I’d drink the Gatorade shakes that they give me.My family says I am a whole different person now.”"

Nelson’s transformation since his high school days has been epic. Inside the U reported that Nelson told them he weighed 185 pounds as a high school freshman and 235 pounds as a senior.  Nelson realizes that despite the fact he has been the first-team left tackle since two weeks into spring practice nothing is guaranteed.

"“I think it is going pretty good, but my spot is never guaranteed, so I have to keep working for it,” Nelson said. “I have just worked really hard and I’m trying to do everything the best that I can.”"

Barry has been impressed with Nelson’s work ethic and toughness thus far.

"“He’s a kid that has been playing with effort and toughness,. He has good athleticism and good length. That is a premium for a tackle.”"

Barry elaborated on what he and the Miami football staff are looking for in an offensive lineman.

"“Our effort and toughness have to always be there. To play on the offensive line, that is always key. We have flashes of it and there was flashes where it wasn’t. We have to get that caught up to speed.”"

Getting quality play from Nelson and the rest of the Miami Hurricanes offensive line will be critical in 2019. The play last season was erratic and it hindered the effectiveness of the Miami quarterbacks. None of the Hurricanes starting offensive linemen are beginning the season in the same positions they played in 2018.

Continuity and effectiveness on the offensive line will go a long way towards the success of the Miami Hurricanes offense in 2019.