Nick Nash Interview: College Football's Most Productive WR

San Jose State wide receiver Nick Nash has been college football's biggest revelation this season. An explosive playmaker, Nash has recorded 96 catches for 1,291 yards and 14 touchdowns through 11 appearances this year. The Irvine, California native has established himself as a legitimate 2025 NFL Draft prospect.

Nash recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Nash discussed switching positions from quarterback to receiver in 2022, his breakout season in 2024, his favorite routes to run, and so much more.

JM: What an unconventional journey it's been for you. You were the starting quarterback in 2021 after coming to the program as a two-star QB recruit. You made the switch to wide receiver in 2022. What was that process like?

Nick Nash: It was definitely an interesting process. I had a lot of fun with it though. I’ve always considered myself more of an athlete than anything else. I’m a playmaker on the field. Even if it was after practice when I was still playing quarterback, I’d mess around, run routes, and catch balls.

I’ve always loved playing a do-it-all role. What it’s developed into, from that point to now, it’s been a pretty fun journey.

JM: It sure has. How do you think your background at QB helped you acclimate to WR?

Nick Nash: It’s helped a tremendous amount. I understand concepts from every player’s perspective. I see defenses a little differently than most receivers do because of my background as a QB. I understand where and how my quarterback wants me to run a route.

JM: You've gotten better every year and you've absolutely exploded this season, totaling 96 catches for 1,291 yards and 14 TDs, and counting. What do you think has changed for you in this career-best season?

Nick Nash: I really have to attribute that to our offense. This offense runs through the slot receiver and fortunately for me, I was chosen to play that position. The coaching staff gave me a chance and I couldn’t be more thankful to our entire staff.

I’d love to take credit, but it’s really been a group effort. The quarterbacks we’ve had in our lineup, the offensive linemen in pass protection, other receivers helping me get open by running clear-out concepts, it’s really been a team effort. Every once in a while, I’ve gone up and made a play.

JM: At 14 touchdowns, you've scored TDs in every game but one this season. What is it about your game that gives you such a great nose for the end zone?

Nick Nash: I think being a bigger-bodied receiver certainly helps. My frame allows me to box defenders out in the red zone. I have some jump-ball ability as well. I can go above the rim when I need to.

Going back to what I said earlier, I also have a terrific understanding of defenses and concepts. I understand how to run routes differently against man and zone coverage. I can exploit those holes in zone, or beat the cornerback in press-man coverage.

I think those are the biggest reasons why I’ve been able to score so many touchdowns this year.

JM: Mentioning your size, at a listed 6-foot-3 and 195, you have great size to play boundary receiver, but you typically operate out of the slot. As you said earlier, this offense runs through the slot. Do you see yourself playing that “BIG SLOT” role at the next level?

Nick Nash: Yeah, I could definitely see myself playing slot receiver at the next level. I think I have the quickness and agility needed to thrive out of the slot. Also, I’m willing to play whichever position I need to play. I came to San Jose State as an athlete without much of a defined position.

I’m willing to be an athlete in the NFL as well. I’ll do whatever I need to do to get on the field.

JM: Does Nick Nash have a favorite route to run?

Nick Nash: I have a few. I love running a slot fade versus man coverage. We also have a “scissors” concept where I run a corner route. I really love that play as well. I also love running a 10-yard out route against man coverage.

JM: You must feel like you have a size and athleticism advantage when running that slot fade versus press.

Nick Nash: Yeah, exactly. For me, that slot fade feels more like a 70-30 ball as opposed to a 50-50 one. I can climb the ladder and go get the ball. I also feel like I have the speed needed to win that route cleanly. I just need the quarterback to get it [the ball] out there.

JM: You had an insane two-game stretch earlier this year against Kennesaw State and Washington State that saw you record 33 catches for 377 yards and 5 TDs. What was it like being in the zone for those games?

Nick Nash: That two-game stretch felt amazing. I won’t sugarcoat it. There was something about those games, it’s tough to say exactly what it was. Perhaps it was the way we prepared for those matchups. It just felt like we were firing on all cylinders as an offense. When we’re clicking like that, it runs through the slot receiver, as I said earlier. I have to be on my P’s and Q’s when that’s the case.

JM: You certainly were. We've appreciated your time today. This has been awesome. What are your goals moving forward here?

Nick Nash: The only question NFL scouts really have about me is my long speed. I want to show people that I’m fast by running a sub-4.45 at the NFL Combine, if I’m blessed enough to receive an invite. If not, I plan on doing the same [running a good time] at my Pro Day.

I want to show everybody that I’m fast enough to play well at the next level.