By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University inside linebacker Jack Nelson (Sr., Portland, OR/Jesuit HS) has been named First Team Capital One Academic All-District VIII for NCAA Division III in voting by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). It is the second consecutive year that Nelson has been chosen for the Academic All-District Team.

A total of 24 athletes were selected to the Academic All-District VIII Team. Nelson, who is working toward a degree in Economics, has achieved a 3.83 cumulative grade point average. He is now eligible for the Capital One NCAA Division III Academic All-America Team.

First Team Capital One Academic All-District

Jack Nelson leads Willamette with 87 total tackles this season. He also ranks first for the Bearcats with 54 solo tackles and 33 assists. He is second on the team with 8.0 tackles for losses. In addition, he has recorded 2.5 quarterback sacks. intercepted one pass and broken up two passes.

He ranks first in the Northwest Conference with 10.9 total tackles per game. He also is first in the NWC in solo tackles.

Nelson has achieved at least nine tackles in all eight games this season. He produced a season-high 15 tackles against George Fox University on Oct. 3. He made 12 tackles -- all unassisted -- in Willamette's 31-28 win at nationally-ranked Linfield College on Oct. 18. He also earned 12 tackles at Whitworth on Oct. 11.

Each of the past two seasons, Nelson has been named First Team All-NWC. He led the Bearcats in total tackles both years, contributing 72 tackles (45 solo) in 2012 and 112 tackles (67 solo) in 2013. Last year, he also was a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award, which goes to the top small college defensive player.

During his four seasons with the Bearcats, Nelson has played in 34 games. He has achieved 298 career total tackles, with 182 unassisted tackles and 116 assists. He has registered 24.0 tackles for loss, including 8.5 quarterback sacks. He has intercepted four passes, broken up eight passes, forced two fumbles and recovered two fumbles.

Nelson has helped the Bearcats earn a 5-3 overall record this season, including 3-3 in the NWC. The Bearcats will conclude the season on Saturday, Nov. 15, when they host University of Puget Sound at McCulloch Stadium. It will be Senior Day for the Bearcats, with kickoff set for 2 p.m. (PST).

CoSIDA District VIII

CoSIDA District VIII includes colleges and universities in the western United States. Athletes nominated for the Capital One Academic All-District Team were starters or key reserves with cumulative GPAs of 3.3 or higher (4.0 scale). Each athlete was at his current college or university for at least one academic year.