AFL NOTES: Van Nelson was claimed off the Philadelphia Soul's practice squad on May 20 to fill the void on the Desperados active roster after offensive lineman Troy Reddick went down with a season-ending ankle injury. Nelson, an AFL rookie, has spent the majority of the season on the Soul's practice squad and will be looking for his first AFL action as a Desperado this season.

COLLEGE: Nelson started all 10 games as a senior for the Javelinas of Texas A&M Kingsville and earned two consecutive honorable mention All-Lone Star Conference South Division honors at offensive tackle. He was a starting offensive tackle on an offense averaging 30.1 points per game and 374.6 yards total offense per game. Nelson played on a Texas A&M Kingsville team that went 9-2 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs. He started three games and played in nine games overall as a junior and red shirted during his first year at Texas A&M Kingsville. Nelson transferred from Trinity Valley Community College to Texas A&M Kingsville following two years at Trinity Valley Community College where he played on the offensive line.

PERSONAL: Van attended Tascosa High School and is the son of Eulis Nelson.