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MITCHELL — One of the biggest changes coming to Dakota Wesleyan football this spring is at the wide receiver position – by way of the Quarterback spot.

Junior Kiel Nelson has started or played at quarterback in 19 games for the Tigers over the past three seasons – but has been moved to Wide Receiver this spring.

DWU head coach Ross Cimpl got Nelson’s feet wet at the position following his shoulder injury late last season.

“It kind of happened by accident a little bit,” Cimpl said. “We knew he wasn’t ready to throw the ball at the end of the season, but his bottom half was still pretty good, so we kind of mixed him it at receiver a little bit.”

Following the end of the season, it was Nelson who actually approached Cimpl about making the move permanently.

“I said it was a situation that I think we could look at,” Cimpl said. “Talent wise and knowing what to do as a quarterback … and what routes we’re running — it’s something he’s done really well. So now it’s just learning the receiver position.”

Nelson threw for 1,093 yards in eight games with six touchdown passes and 11 interceptions in 2021. And going back to his Mitchell Kernels days, everyone who plays with or against Nelson knows that you couldn’t forget about his ability to make you pay with his legs.

Nelson rushed for 371 yards and two touchdowns in 2021 – and the early returns from some of his teammates is that they think Nelson’s athleticism is going to make this position switch a natural one.

“He’s so athletic,” sophomore fullback Matt Schwaerzler said. “I mean, he just makes it work. He makes plays all the time. It’s really a pretty natural fit for him.”

Senior left tackle T.J. Benton said, “He’s fast. If you thought he was fast at quarterback, you’re going to have another thing coming.”

As for Kiel, he said it’s been a bit of an adjustment, but one that he’s welcomed.

“Playing quarterback, I would always try to imagine what the receivers were seeing as I was going through my plays, and now that’s kind of flipped,” Nelson said. “I’m trying to think of what (DWU quarterbacks) Austin (Lee) and Cayden (Cunningham) are seeing as I’m running and doing my thing.”

Now, as for blocking as a receiver – this is new territory that he said he’s still got some work to do.

“That is one thing I’m still trying to figure out,” Nelson said. “We’ve been learning and getting better every day. It’s getting there.”

The Dakota Wesleyan Tigers wrap up the Spring session next Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Joe Quintal Field with the Spring game.