The success of San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates could soon bring former St. Thomas Aquinas standout Ed Nelson from the hardwood to the football field.

Like Gates, a forward on Kent State's basketball team, Nelson plans to eschew a chance for the NBA in favor of the NFL. Nelson -- a 6-8, 265-pound power forward for Connecticut -- will work out for NFL teams on his college campus April 21.

''I have gotten great feedback in the last week that I am an individual that NFL teams could and will be very interested in,'' Nelson told The Associated Press earlier in the week. ``I am anxious for the chance to show scouts next week that I can help their team in the future.''

Nelson played one season of football as a freshman at Piper before making the permanent transition to basketball. Nelson already convinced his agent, Joe Linta, of his football ability.

''I came up to work out Ed with little expectations and came away convinced that he is an NFL prospect at the tight end position,'' Linta, who represents more than a dozen NFL players, told the AP. ``He is very quick, has outstanding hands and great lower body strength.''

After leading the Raiders to the Class 5A state title in 2001 while averaging 26 points and 11 rebounds, Nelson attended Georgia Tech, where he was ACC Rookie of the Year. But Nelson was not happy with the Yellow Jackets and transferred to Connecticut. With the Huskies, Nelson was largely a reserve. In 29 games as a senior, he averaged three points and three rebounds.

Still, Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun believes Nelson could have succeeded in the NBA. ''He clearly has the talent to play basketball at the professional level, but if anyone can make the transition, it's him,''