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2020 4-star AZ OT strengthened bond with Michigan on recent visit

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Rated a four-star and 232nd overall by Rivals, Gilbert (AZ) Williams Field offensive tackle Noah Nelson is no stranger to the Michigan program, having visited before. But the Arizona native made a second trip to Ann Arbor last week, and got to complete his primary objectives.

When he made his unofficial visit back in March, he learned everything he wanted to about the school, academics and different aspects of the program. Now, on his official visit, as he took in the annual Spring Game, he got to see more of how he fit in, spending most of his time either with right tackle candidate Andrew Stueber or his position coach in Ed Warinner.

“The Spring Game was pretty cool,” Nelson said. “It was good insight to what it’s like, a taste of what it’s like for a game in The Big House. So that was pretty cool. Other than that, just spent time with the guys, having fun.”

Getting a feel for the atmosphere of the team was ultimately the biggest takeaway for the 6-foot-8, 295 offensive tackle. He’s already gotten a lay of the land, and his relationship with the coaching staff is already quite strong.

Ever since the beginning of his junior season at the high school level, he and Michigan have had open communication. Then, once he got the offer near the end of 2018, that’s when things really started to pick up.

“I talk to Ed Warinner a lot,” “I’ve known him for a long time, going from the beginning from this season I just had. I’ve been talking to him for awhile, and then he offered me right at the end of my season. So that’s been pretty cool. We’ve talked ever since and are pretty close.”

There’s not a ton of time left as far as Nelson’s timeline is concerned, but he’s still going through his process.

He’ll be visiting Oklahoma on May 3, and plans to make a public decision this summer, sometime before his senior year begins in earnest.

As far as what he’s looking for, Nelson is pretty straightforward, in wanting a school that can educate him and a football program that can build him into the type of player he knows he can be.

“I want a school that has a family feel, but also has a strong player development that will get me to my max potential,” Nelson said. “Also, want to get a good education out of the school. I’m not sure (what I want to study) yet. I want a program where I could do like community outreach so I could give back.”

The good news for Michigan? Nelson sees it as a school that has everything he’s looking for.

“I definitely think they have those qualities,” Nelson said. “Definitely one of the reasons they’re one of my top schools.”

Follow/Contact: @WolverinesWire / @isaiahhole

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