Former UTEP lineman signs 3-year, $1.5 million deal with Dallas Cowboys

UTEP Offensive Lineman, James Nelson has signed a three-year rookie deal with the Dallas Cowboys, the organization announced on Thursday.

With a contract worth around $1.5 million, Nelson is the sixth Miner to sign a contact with a NFL team after the draft, joining DeShawn Grayson (Pittsburgh) Eloy Atkinson (Tennessee), Michael Edwards (Cleveland), Drew Thomas (St. Louis) and Darren Woodard (St. Louis).

Overall, Nelson becomes the 13th Miner to play for the Dallas Cowboys, following Godwin Akinduro, Trey Dariled, Wayne Hansen, Michael Hicks, Donavon Kemp, Ola Kimrin, Jeff Motouri, Alex Obomese, Jimmy Evans, Jamar Hunt, Joe West and Tony Tolbert.

Nelson (6-7, 355 pounds) started in 11 games last season. An All-Conference candidate (offense), Nelson helped the Miners average 148.5 rushing yards per game.

Source: UTEP Athletics