COACH DEMARS ON NELSON — He developed very well ... Has a power game ... Stays at the baseline for the most part ... Better than average serve with a good forehand ... Poised to have his best year.

AS A JUNIOR — Posted 14 wins playing primarily in the No. 3 position ... Finished the year 10-5 against Region II opponents ... One of two Gamecocks to compete in the ITA Region II Championships ... Led the team with eight victories in doubles play ... Teamed with Marcus Singh to go 3-1 in a semifinal performance at the USC Fall Invitational ... Went 2-1 for the Gamecocks in postseason play.

SOPHOMORE — Suffered an injury that kept playing time down for the spring season ... Competed well at the end of the season in the five and six spots.

FRESHMAN — Had a solid freshman season, playing in the No. 6 singles position ... Finished 1999 season with a 3-4 record at No. 1 doubles playing with Rodrigo Pacheco and Jeff Bergman.

JUNIOR TENNIS — Ranked No. 2 in New England ... Won Texas Open in singles and doubles in 1997 ... Played No. 1 singles for four years at North Andover High School under coach Dan Desmond ... Four-year all-league ... Eagle Tribune All-Star (four years) ... Boston Globe All-Scholastic (two years) ... Four-year team MVP ... League player of the year as a junior ... All-League Tournament winner (four years) ... Undefeated in league (69-0) ... MIAA North Section Champion (senior year) ... Overall record 89-4 ... Was captain his senior year ... Won the 1997 Texas Open in singles and doubles.

PERSONAL — Born October 14, 1980 in Methuen, Mass. ... Son of Scott and Suzanne Nelson ... Enjoys frisbee, football and working on his '67 Barracuda ... Wants to become a contributing member of the Carolina tennis team ... Chose USC because of the great team and coach.