LINCOLN — Arizona senior Cam Nelson and Wildcats defensive coordinator Mark Stoops have had a long-term investment in each other.

Stoops recruited Nelson out of Dallas, convinced he could convert the high school quarterback into a safety. Nelson followed the tutelage and became a three-year starter, capped by a second-team All-Pacific 10 season in 2009.

So Nelson, understandably, didn’t want to see Stoops leave before he played one last time in the Holiday Bowl.

“It meant a lot to me,’’ Nelson said. “I’m happy he stayed for this last game. Those were his intentions from the start, I think.’’

Stoops two weeks ago was named defensive coordinator at Florida State. It was agreed that he would remain with Arizona before replacing Mickey Andrews on the Seminoles’ staff after Jan. 1.

Nelson and other Wildcat defenders breathed a sigh of relief, even the non-seniors who eventually will have to say goodbye to the younger brother of Arizona head coach Mike Stoops.

And make no mistake, Nelson said, about where Mark Stoops’ attention and focus remain as Arizona prepares for its Holiday Bowl meeting with Nebraska on Wednesday.

“He always coaches hard and coaches up the technique, but since he’s leaving he’s been putting more emphasis on everything and doing a little extra,’’ Nelson said. “We always pride ourselves on having fun in the secondary and on defense, but he knows it’s his last few days with us so he’s trying to have some fun. And you can see he’s a little sad, too.’’

The Stoops brothers have been the architects of an Arizona defense that ranks No. 21 nationally in total yards allowed per game (315.8). That unit has allowed two touchdowns or fewer in four of the Wildcats’ last five games.

Nelson said Mark Stoops’ influence will be left on a simple but effective defense that “puts us in a position where we can play fast and try not to think as much.’’ Nelson has capped his development by going into the Holiday Bowl with 64 tackles, three sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception.

Stoops before long will be replaced by former Colorado assistant coach Greg Brown, who already has spent a few days with the Wildcats and is expected to join the team in San Diego.

“I know some of the younger guys are pretty sad, but the coach they’re bringing in is a great coach,’’ Nelson said. “I got a chance to talk to him and he knows what he’s talking about. But they’re going to miss Mark because he’s the guy who recruited them and had fun with them.’’

Nelson said the transition should be smooth. And Arizona isn’t missing a beat in Stoops’ final days.

There will be a short time for goodbyes after the Holiday Bowl, but Nelson already has said some of his.

“I already told him, ‘Thank you for coming and finding me and giving me the opportunity to get a free education and play college football under the big lights,’” Nelson said. “We kind of want to go out with a bang for him.’’

Contact the writer:

444-1042, rich.kaipust@owh.com

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