Nick Nash: San José State WR Shows Promise in Spring Training Ahead of 2025 Season
Nick Nash has emerged as one of the most versatile threats in college football. The San José State wide receiver transformed from quarterback to become an elite pass-catcher, using his 6’3″ frame to dominate defensive backs across the field. In 2023, Nash showcased his evolution by hauling in 48 receptions for 728 yards and 8 touchdowns. He averaged an impressive 15.2 yards per catch, establishing himself as a legitimate NFL prospect.
What makes Nash’s journey remarkable is his successful position change. After playing quarterback earlier in his San José State career, he transitioned to wide receiver with remarkable effectiveness. His quarterback background provides him unique field vision and understanding of offensive concepts that most receivers simply don’t possess.
NFL scouts are increasingly interested in Nash’s combination of size, athleticism, and natural receiving instincts. While he’ll need to continue refining his route-running technique, his ability to stress defenses vertically and serve as a big-bodied target in the red zone gives him intriguing upside at the professional level. The former Spartan has positioned himself as a potential mid-round selection who could outperform his draft position with the right developmental coaching.
Contents
Nick Nash’s Background
Nick Nash’s journey to becoming one of college football’s elite wide receivers is rooted in his California upbringing and unique path through the collegiate ranks. His transformation from high school athlete to national standout demonstrates remarkable adaptability and determination.
Early Life and High School Career
Nick Nash grew up in Irvine, California, where he developed his athletic prowess at Woodbridge High School. Despite being classified as just a two-star recruit, Nash showed versatility that would later define his collegiate career.
At Woodbridge, Nash primarily played quarterback, developing the field vision and game intelligence that would serve him well in his future position change. His understanding of offensive schemes from the quarterback perspective gave him unique insights into route development and defensive coverage recognition.
What made Nash stand out wasn’t overwhelming physical statistics but rather his football IQ and athleticism. He showed flashes of the skillset that would eventually make him a coveted NFL prospect – quick decision-making, spatial awareness, and natural playmaking ability.
College Recruitment
The recruiting process for Nash wasn’t filled with five-star fanfare. As a two-star athlete recruit, Nash didn’t receive the national attention lavished on higher-rated prospects. San Jose State offered him an opportunity to play quarterback – his dream position coming out of high school.
Nash’s commitment to San Jose State represented his willingness to bet on himself at a program where he could develop. The Spartans coaching staff recognized potential that bigger programs overlooked, identifying both his athletic versatility and football intelligence.
What’s remarkable about Nash’s recruitment is that he arrived on campus with quarterback aspirations, unaware that his journey would eventually lead him to become the nation’s top pass catcher. This position change would ultimately showcase his adaptability and unlock his true potential as an offensive weapon.
San José State Spartans
Nick Nash has become a standout player for the San José State football program, developing from a versatile quarterback into one of the team’s most reliable wide receivers. His journey with the Spartans showcases both athletic versatility and commitment to team success.
Commitment to San José State
Nash’s dedication to the San José State program runs deep. Standing at 6-3 and weighing 195 pounds, he’s built a substantial career with the Spartans. Born on August 2, 2000, Nash has grown into a key offensive weapon for the team.
His loyalty to the program is noteworthy in an era of frequent transfers. Nash’s willingness to transition positions from quarterback to wide receiver demonstrated his team-first mentality. This flexibility proved beneficial for both Nash and the Spartans.
The coaching staff regularly praises Nash’s work ethic and leadership qualities. His presence in the locker room has helped establish a culture of accountability within the program.
Playing Style and Role
Nash’s athletic versatility makes him a unique offensive threat. His background as a quarterback gives him exceptional field vision and understanding of defensive coverages that many receivers lack.
As a receiver, Nash uses his height advantage and strong hands to win contested catches. His route-running continues to improve, making him a reliable target in crucial situations.
Nash’s Career Statistics:
| Season | Receptions | Receiving Yards | TDs | Yards Per Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 36 | 481 | 3 | 13.4 |
| 2023 | 52 | 732 | 6 | 14.1 |
| 2024 | 61 | 897 | 9 | 14.7 |
Nash’s consistent improvement has caught NFL scouts’ attention. His invitation to the 2025 NFL Combine validates his draft potential. Scouts project him as a mid-round selection with upside as a possession receiver who can also contribute on special teams.
Positional Analysis
Nick Nash brings a unique skillset to the wide receiver position. His journey from quarterback to wideout has created a player with exceptional field vision and football IQ that separates him from many draft prospects.
Wide Receiver Attributes
Nash possesses legitimate deep-threat ability despite not being the most explosive athlete. His 40-yard dash time of 4.57 seconds at the NFL Combine ranked 34th among 39 receivers, but his game isn’t built on pure speed.
At 203 pounds with a lengthy frame, Nash excels through intelligence and understanding of leverage. He creates separation with precise route running rather than twitchy movements.
His most impressive attribute might be his consistent, reliable hands. Nash rarely drops catchable passes, making him a dependable target even in contested situations.
Current draft projections have Nash slotted as a 5th round selection, ranking #150 overall and #21 among wide receivers.
Transition from Quarterback
Nash’s background as a quarterback gives him exceptional field awareness. He understands defensive coverages from both perspectives, allowing him to find soft spots consistently.
His experience under center translates to how he sets up defenders. Nash uses subtle head fakes and body positioning that screams “former quarterback” in the best possible way.
The transition wasn’t overnight. Nash played 44 college games at San Jose State, gradually developing his receiver skills while maintaining quarterback instincts.
Here’s how his production developed after the position change:
| Season | Receptions | Yards | TDs | YPC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 52 | 718 | 6 | 13.8 |
| 2024 | 78 | 1,005 | 9 | 12.9 |
NFL teams are intrigued by his ceiling, believing his quarterback background provides an advanced understanding of offensive concepts that many receivers lack.
Statistics and Highlights
Nick Nash has established himself as one of the most productive wide receivers in college football for San José State. His versatility and consistent performance have made him a standout prospect for NFL scouts.
Receptions and Receiving Yards
Nash’s 2023 season marked his transition to wide receiver, but it was in 2024 that he truly dominated. He led all receivers nationally with 104 catches and 1,382 yards, showcasing remarkable consistency throughout the season.
His reception numbers reflect both his reliability as a target and his ability to create separation against defensive backs. The former quarterback’s understanding of offensive schemes has translated into precise route-running.
Career Receiving Statistics:
| Year | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Avg/Reception | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 67 | 984 | 14.7 | 7 |
| 2024 | 104 | 1,382 | 13.3 | 11 |
Nash earned First-team All-Mountain West honors in 2024, upgrading from his Second-team selection in 2023. His rapid development curve has him ranked as the #21 wide receiver prospect heading into the NFL draft.
Points and Scoring Contributions
Nash has been a consistent scoring threat for the Spartans. His 11 receiving touchdowns in 2024 ranked among the best in the Mountain West Conference and demonstrated his red zone effectiveness.
Beyond traditional receiving touchdowns, Nash’s versatility allowed him to contribute to the scoring in multiple ways. His quarterback background enabled coaches to deploy him in trick plays that frequently resulted in points.
Nash’s scoring contributions were particularly crucial in tight games, where his ability to win contested catches made him a go-to target. His touchdown rate improved significantly from 2023 to 2024, showing development in his ability to finish drives.
Scoring Highlights:
- 18 career receiving touchdowns
- Multiple 2-touchdown games in 2024
- Scored in 8 consecutive games during one stretch
Rushing Statistics
What separates Nash from other receivers is his background as a quarterback and his effectiveness as a rusher. Throughout his career at San José State, Nash accumulated significant rushing yards even after transitioning to wide receiver.
His rushing abilities make him a versatile weapon on jet sweeps, end-arounds, and designed quarterback runs when lined up in wildcat formations. This dual-threat capability creates matchup problems for defenses.
Nash’s rushing statistics from his quarterback days include multiple 100+ yard games. Even as a receiver, coaches continued to utilize his running skills in creative ways.
Rushing Impact:
- Over 1,000 career rushing yards
- 5.2 yards per carry average
- 12 career rushing touchdowns
NFL scouts view Nash’s 4.57 forty time and rushing ability as additional assets that could make him valuable in specialized packages at the next level.
Significant Games
Nick Nash made a lasting impression during his time at San José State through several standout performances. The converted quarterback-turned-receiver showcased his versatility and playmaking ability when it mattered most, particularly in conference games and bowl appearances.
Performances in Key Matches
Nash’s transition to wide receiver in 2023 proved to be a stroke of genius. He started all 13 games that season, quickly establishing himself as a primary target in the Spartans’ offense. His consistency was remarkable, setting an SJSU and Mountain West Conference record with touchdown receptions in 10 consecutive games spanning from August to November 2024.
Against rival Fresno State, Nash delivered a clutch performance with 8 receptions for 112 yards and the game-winning touchdown. The catch showcased his body control and strong hands in traffic.
In the critical matchup against Boise State, Nash recorded his season-high 145 receiving yards. His ability to create separation against one of the conference’s top secondaries raised eyebrows among NFL scouts.
| Opponent | Receptions | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresno State | 8 | 112 | 1 |
| Boise State | 9 | 145 | 2 |
| UNLV | 7 | 98 | 1 |
Hawaii Bowl Highlights
The Hawaii Bowl served as Nash’s final showcase in a Spartans uniform, and Nick Nash didn’t disappoint. Against a tough AAC opponent, he hauled in 7 catches for 103 yards and found the end zone twice.
His first touchdown came on a perfectly executed double move that left the defender grasping at air. The second score demonstrated his strength as he broke two tackles en route to the end zone.
What impressed scouts most was Nash’s complete game. He contributed as a blocker on running plays and even completed a 15-yard pass on a trick play, reminding everyone of his quarterback roots.
NFL teams took notice of his bowl performance, with several noting his route-running precision and yards-after-catch ability. Draft analysts now project him as a potential mid-round selection with significant upside due to his versatility and football IQ.
Awards and Recognition
Nick Nash’s stellar performances at San José State have garnered him significant recognition in the college football world. His achievements include prestigious national honors and consideration for one of football’s most coveted receiver awards.
All-American Distinctions
Nick Nash made program history by becoming the first player ever from San José State to earn Unanimous All-American honors. This remarkable achievement puts him in elite company across all of college football.
The Associated Press further validated Nash’s exceptional talent by naming him to the 2024 AP All-America First Team. This selection places him among the nation’s elite at his position.
Nash’s All-American status has significantly boosted his NFL draft stock. Scouts have taken notice of his production and consistency, with many analysts now projecting him as a mid-round selection.
| All-American Honors | Year |
|---|---|
| AP First Team | 2024 |
| Unanimous All-American | 2024 |
Biletnikoff Award Consideration
Nash’s impressive receiving performances earned him a spot as a finalist for the 2024 Biletnikoff Award, which recognizes college football’s most outstanding receiver. This nomination came from the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation.
Being named a Biletnikoff finalist put Nash in the conversation with the nation’s elite pass-catchers. He became one of just three receivers nationwide to earn this distinction for the 2024 season.
The recognition from KTVU highlighted the significance of Nash’s candidacy, particularly noteworthy for a player representing a non-Power Five conference school. His production has been impossible to ignore, regardless of competition level.
NFL Draft Prospect
Nick Nash’s transition from quarterback to wide receiver at San José State has turned him into an intriguing NFL Draft prospect. His unique skill set and physical attributes have caught the attention of scouts across the league as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches.
Scouting Reports
Nash brings a 6-foot-3 frame to the receiver position, giving him excellent size to compete at the next level. His background as a quarterback has clearly informed his route-running intelligence and field awareness.
The transition to wide receiver has been remarkably smooth for Nash, who displays natural receiving instincts that cannot be taught. His contested catch ability makes him particularly dangerous in tight coverage situations.
At the NFL Combine, Nash ran the 40-yard dash in 4.57 seconds, which ranked 34th among 39 receivers. While his straight-line speed won’t wow scouts, his production speaks volumes.
Nash led all FBS wide receivers in certain statistical categories, showcasing his effectiveness despite average athleticism metrics.
Draft Predictions
Most analysts project Nash as a mid-to-late round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. His former quarterback experience adds significant value, potentially allowing teams to utilize him in gadget plays.
Several teams with needs at receiver have shown interest, particularly those looking for big-bodied targets who can stress defenses vertically. The Los Angeles Chargers have been mentioned as a potential fit.
Nash’s draft stock could be higher if not for his relatively late position switch and average athletic testing. However, his productivity and natural feel for the position have kept him firmly on the draft radar.
Teams looking for slot receivers or those effective in stacked alignments will find particular value in Nash’s skill set.
Player Influence and Legacy
Nick Nash has transformed from a backup quarterback to one of college football’s most impactful wide receivers, leaving an indelible mark on the San José State program. His versatility and leadership have redefined what it means to be a complete playmaker in the Mountain West Conference.
Impact at San José State
Nash’s journey at San José State represents one of college football’s most remarkable position switches. After starting his career as a quarterback, he emerged as the nation’s top pass catcher, achieving the rare “triple crown” by leading FBS in receptions (104), receiving yards (1,382), and touchdowns (16).
What makes Nash’s accomplishments even more impressive is how quickly he mastered the receiver position. His quarterback background gives him an uncanny ability to find open space and understand defensive coverages.
NFL Draft Outlook:
| Category | Ranking/Grade |
|---|---|
| Overall WR Ranking | Top 15 |
| Draft Projection | 3rd-4th Round |
| Best Attributes | Route running, hands, football IQ |
| Areas to Improve | Top-end speed |
Influence on Team Dynamics
Nash’s versatility transformed the Spartans’ offensive identity. As a former quarterback turned elite receiver, he provides a unique perspective in the receivers room and serves as an extension of the coaching staff on the field.
Teammates consistently credit Nash for elevating practice intensity and film study habits. His work ethic sets a standard for younger players, particularly those transitioning between positions.
Beyond statistics, Nash’s leadership during San José State’s recent success cannot be overstated. He’s been instrumental in changing the program’s culture from an also-ran to a legitimate Mountain West contender.
The coaching staff regularly points to Nash as the embodiment of team-first mentality – a player willing to change positions and redefine himself for the program’s benefit.
Connections and Relationships
Nick Nash’s journey from quarterback to elite wide receiver has been shaped by the people around him. His relationships with teammates, coaches, and mentors have played crucial roles in his development into an NFL prospect.
Teammates and Coaches
Nash’s connection with former head coach Rick Gibson goes back to his high school days. Gibson, now retired from Woodbridge High School, helped Nash find his path to San Jose State in 2019. This relationship set the foundation for Nash’s college career.
The transition from quarterback to receiver required trust in his coaches. When the coaching change happened, Nash embraced his new role completely. This decision transformed him from backup QB to one of America’s top receivers.
Quarterback Walker Eget has developed particular chemistry with Nash, frequently looking his way in crucial situations. Their connection has been especially evident in red zone situations, contributing to Nash becoming the NCAA’s receiving touchdowns leader.
Mentors and Pro Influences
Nash credits teammate Hunter with helping him master route-running techniques during his position change. This mentorship accelerated Nash’s development as a receiver and helped him refine his technical skills.
Former SJSU receivers coach Emmett Brown provided Nash with critical guidance on the nuances of the position. Brown’s influence is evident in Nash’s precise route-running and advanced understanding of defensive coverages.
His NFL draft stock has benefited from these relationships. Nash recently delivered an impressive performance at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, where scouts noted his polished technique and football IQ.
| Metric | 2024 Season | Career |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving Yards | 1,382 | 2,800+ |
| Touchdowns | NCAA Leader | 32 |
| Draft Projection | Round 3-4 | Rising |
Off-the-Field
Beyond his remarkable transformation from quarterback to wide receiver, Nick Nash has cultivated a well-rounded life away from the football field. His commitment to both community service and personal development showcases the character behind the athlete.
Community Involvement
Nash has established himself as a positive force in the San Jose community during his time with the Spartans. He regularly participates in youth football camps, sharing his unique dual-position expertise with aspiring athletes throughout the Bay Area.
During the offseason, Nash volunteers at local schools, reading to elementary students and promoting the importance of education alongside athletics. His involvement with the San Jose State Spartans community outreach program has made him a familiar face at children’s hospitals and food drives.
Nash’s teammates often cite his leadership extending beyond the locker room, as he organizes player participation in various charitable events throughout Santa Clara County.
Personal Interests
When he’s not catching passes or giving back to the community, Nash pursues diverse interests that showcase his well-rounded personality. As a two-sport letterwinner, Nash spent time as a left fielder on the San Jose State baseball team, demonstrating his exceptional athleticism.
Nash is pursuing a degree in business. He balances a demanding academic schedule with his athletic commitments. His professors describe him as diligent and engaged in the classroom.
An avid outdoorsman, Nash enjoys hiking the trails around San Jose during his limited free time. He’s also developed a reputation as the team’s unofficial barber. He cuts teammates’ hair before big games, a ritual that has become something of a good luck charm for the Spartans.
