Jordan Nelson possesses all the physical skills to be an elite football player.

But it’s the Palmerton senior’s versatility that sets him apart from his peers.

A multitalented athlete, Nelson has never backed away from lining up wherever the Blue Bombers need him.

And that ability was on full display in Palmerton’s 43-42 overtime loss to Northern Lehigh in the regular season finale last Friday.

On the ground, Nelson carried the ball 21 times for 194 yards and three scores.

Through the air, he completed 8-of-16 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown, while also adding one catch for 34 yards.

And on defense, Nelson had 15 tackles, a sack, and a quarterback hurry.

He also converted four extra points, and handled five kickoffs for a 40.6-yard average, with one touchback.

It was a snapshot of what Nelson has done throughout his career at Palmerton.

“He is in every facet of our game,” said Bombers’ head coach Chris Walkowiak. “Offensively, he could be a receiver; he could be quarterback; he could be running back; he could be in the slot. He played every position, and he probably would have played line for us if we needed him to, because he’s just that selfless of a player.

“Defensively, we had him at linebacker this year; we’ve had him at safety just to move him around so teams couldn’t scheme for him. It’s a credit to his football IQ and intelligence; he just understands the game, he processes the game and obviously his athletic ability is just incredible. But you also have to factor in his special teams ability, returning kicks, returning punts, handling kickoffs and punting.”

Nelson’s efforts helped him earn Times News Player of the Week honors.

“He’s that kid that you could draw it up and he could block, he could kick, he could punt, and you don’t see many of those athletes anymore,” said Walkowiak. “It’s very rare. It’s just amazing what he does, and can bring to a team, and because of what he can do, you’re that much more flexible; even if you have short numbers, you still have two or three players there because of what he did.”

Nelson finished the season as the team’s top passer with 674 yards and seven touchdowns. He was second on the squad in rushing and receiving, carrying the ball 82 times for 531 yards and four touchdowns, while also hauling in 16 passes for 247 yards and one score.

Defensively, Nelson recorded 427 tackles during his career, a school record.

Nelson’s career has been dotted with spectacular performances. His outing against Northern Lehigh was one for the highlight reel.

“Our team really battled,” said Nelson. “We went back-and-forth, and at the end of the day, it really just showed you what kind of team we have and the trust we have in each other, and the love we have for the sport.”

The Bombers, who finished the season 3-7, took the field with 14 healthy players on the sideline. The number of players that suited up each week often made practices interesting – if not unconventional.

But it never stopped Nelson or his teammates from preparing the best they could.

“We just really wanted to show people that you could do anything,” he said. “You don’t need a team of 40 to go out and win or compete. You can compete with what you have.

“With us, we were just like a family. Everyone played for each other.”

While the void left by Nelson will be difficult to replace on the field, the legacy he created with his work ethic off the field will lay the foundation for those coming after him.

“I’ve had many people come up to me on a Friday night and tell me just how impressed they were, with the amount of players we had, and what they saw and the effort that they saw on the field,” said Walkowiak. “And that’s a credit to the kids. They played the game, they took what we taught them, and they played with their heart, tenacity and laid it all on the line. And really, at the end of the day, you always ask your players to give it their all in everything they do, and good things will go their way.

“Unfortunately, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. But if you have that effort, that determination, that will to fight in life, it’s going to take you pretty far.”