The college football season in Texas starts a week earlier than normal with a Week 0 matchup between North Texas and UTEP. To celebrate us making it through another off-season, we’re counting down the 50 most important players in Texas every day until Aug. 27. The list isn’t necessarily about which players are the best, though talent plays a major factor in most important.

No. 15: Nathaniel Dell, Houston junior wide receiver 

The History

Dell was an underrated and overlooked prospect out of Daytona Beach, Fla. who began his college career in 2018 at Alabama A&M, where he appeared in four games prior to redshirting. He transferred to Independence C.C. as a redshirt freshman in 2020 and emerged as the leading receiver and return specialist. Dell – known as Tank – caught 52 passes for 766 yards and eight scores. He also returned a punt for a touchdown. 

Dell first arrived at Houston in 2020 as a three-star JUCO prospect who chose the Cougars because of the Air-Raid principles taught by head coach Dana Holgorsen. Dell started eight times in 2020, leading the team with 29 receptions for 429 yards and three scores. His 564 all-purpose yards were most on the team. He excelled in 2021 with a team-leading 90 receptions for 1,329 yards, and 12 scores. Dell was a first-team all-conference selection who caught a career-high 10 balls in a bowl win over Auburn.  

The Skillset 

The 5-10, 165-pound Dell does his best work as a slot receiver. He played outside and inside for most of the first year and a half at Houston, but improved depth allowed the Cougars to play him primarily in the slot during the second half of last year’s campaign and that unlocked Dell’s true potential. Holgorsen calls Dell one of the best pure slot receivers he’s ever coached, comparing his junior to former West Virginia star Tavon Austin. Dell’s quickness and elusiveness make him a nightmare matchup for nickel backs. He’s capable of collecting 100 catches on the season. 

The Impact  

Dell’s role should only increase in 2022 due to the departure of former return specialist Marcus Jones. Dell plans to be Houston’s No. 1 target in the passing game and a weapon as a punt and kick returner. The more times the ball is in Dell’s hands, the better for the Houston Cougars. He’s a bona fide weapon in the slot and the most productive wide receiver to return in the state of Texas. Dell makes life easier for everybody on the offense. He’s the preferred target to quarterback Clayton Tune, and Dell’s ability draws attention away from Houston’s other receivers and prevents defenses from loading the box against the run. 

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