A star TE for the Florida Gators, Aaron Hernandez finished 2nd in the SEC in catches in 2009 en route to a National Championship win.
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A former teammate of Aaron Hernandez when the two played college football together with the Florida Gators expressed his amazement with the kind of person Hernandez had become.
David Nelson, who played WR for the Gators with Hernandez from 2007 to 2009, told NJ.com that although Hernandez had some behavioral issues in college, he never believed him capable of committing the crimes he was convicted of.
I just can’t wrap my head around this. For the first time, it’s real. That’s not the kid I knew. I just can’t understand it…
— David Nelson (@DavidNelson86) April 15, 2015
He was found guilty, and should do the time. But man… That’s not the guy I knew. How could that happen. WHY did that happen.
— David Nelson (@DavidNelson86) April 15, 2015
My heart and prayers go out to the Odin Lloyds family. As blown away by this as I am, the focus and respect should be paid to them.
— David Nelson (@DavidNelson86) April 15, 2015
Through it all, it is not my position to judge.. so I won’t. It is, however, my birthright to love.. So I will.
— David Nelson (@DavidNelson86) April 15, 2015
Earlier on Wednesday, Hernandez was convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting death of semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd, along with other weapons charges – he still awaits trial for the murder of two other men that occurred in 2012.
With his conviction, Hernandez faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The Florida Gators won the 2008 BCS National Championship game over the Oklahoma Sooners. Hernandez was the Gators’ leading receiver in the 24-14 win with 5 catches for 57 yards. Nelson the game-winning TD pass from QB Tim Tebow late in the 4th quarter.
Hernandez and Nelson both joined the NFL in 2010. Hernandez was a 4th round pick by the New England Patriots while Nelson was signed as an undrafted free agent for the Buffalo Bills.
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