Years before Texans coach Bill O'Brien and his staff were tasked with dealing with mauling Indianapolis Colts rookie offensive guard Quenton Nelson in NFL games, O'Brien was trying to convince the standout blocker to attend Penn State.
O'Brien made a run at Nelson, recruiting the New Jersey native out of high school. Ultimately, Nelson chose Notre Dame where he emerged as a consensus All-American and was drafted sixth overall by the Colts.
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Signed to a $23.88 million contract, Nelson started every game. The 6-5, 330-pounder was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month in October, becoming the first guard to ever win the award.