Palmerton head football coach Chris Walkowiak noticed something special when Tre Nelson walked on the practice field as a freshman.

It didn't take long for him to see that Nelson was what any coach would call the real deal.Nelson's play earned him numerous accolades and on Wednesday he signed a letter of intent to further his education and gridiron career at Monmouth University in New Jersey.Nelson is one of three linebackers to sign to play for the Hawks under head coach Kevin Callahan and one of 18 student-athletes who also submitted letters of intent, which include two junior college additions and a transfer."I just like the school, the football program surrounding it and the area it's in," said Nelson, who plans to major in criminal justice. "They want me to play inside linebacker and I'm really going to try and get in that starting rotation defensively right away."Monmouth was 6-5 last year in its first season in the Big South Conference."Tre was a great role model for the program," Walkowiak said. "What I'm hoping is that what Tre brought to the table, we have future people to emulate his leadership, his work ethic, devotion, commitment to the team and putting the team ahead of individual accomplishments because he'll be the first to tell you it was all about winning and doing well for the team."A four-year letter winner, Nelson finished his career with 413 tackles. As an inside linebacker he made 124 tackles last season, earning him EasternPAfootball.com's Small School Defensive Player of the Year.Offensively, Nelson also served as the fullback and despite being used mostly as a blocking back, he rushed for 433 yards on 93 carries and caught 13 passes for 149 yards."As soon as I met him as a ninth grader," Walkowiak said. "One of the first days with double sessions, in 90-degree weather, we're running sprints and he yells I love this stuff. Then and there you knew he was going to be a special player."There are a lot of things that stand out that I'll remember about him, but the biggest thing is his leadership and maturity. When things didn't go his way, he just kept on rolling with the punches and that's a credit to him and his family."On thing that the 6-foot-1, 22-pound Nelson will remember the most from his days as a Blue Bomber is his senior football season that ended with a trip to the District 11 Class AA playoffs. Palmerton lost to North Schuykill and finished with a 7-4 record to make it worthwhile."This year we came out and made it to districts and it was just an amazing season to be part of," Nelson said. "Coach Walkowiak is a great guy and knows what he's talking about. He likes to push the kids to the max to see what he has."As far as Nelson wanting to break into the starting lineup right away, it wouldn't surprise Walkowiak."I wouldn't count him out not being a starter right away," said Walkowiak. "I know they run a 4-3 and want to use him as an inside linebacker. So don't be surprised to see him on the field as a freshman because whatever he sets his mind to, he's surely going to accomplish it."Callahan, during Wednesday's signing day celebration, is happy with his list of signees."This class is one of the most talented groups that we have recruited," he said during the announcement of recruits live on espn3.com. "We were able to address and fill specific needs on both offense and defense, while adding to the talent level and depth needed to compete in the Big South. I congratulate our staff for their thorough and diligent efforts in bringing this class to Monmouth."