The 2011 high school football season has seen a weekly explosion from Logan quarterback D.J. Nelson.

He says that he was born to play the position. He watched his older brother, Riley, set multiple state records during his time at Logan before going to Brigham Young. Every weight he lifted, every wind sprint he ran, every one-on-one session with a receiver was done with this year and Friday's state title in mind.

"This is something that I've wanted to do since little league," Nelson said. "I've always wanted to be a quarterback. I've matured, but I'm not doing this alone. I have my teammates with me. This has really been a 10-year process."

When Logan takes the field against East at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Nelson will be the headliner. He's been without question the best player in Class 4A in a season where the Grizzlies have been the best team. He's put up statistics that are almost unbelievable.

In 13 games, Nelson has thrown 48 touchdown passes. He's rushed for 1,572 yards. He's reached the end zone 23 times on the ground and he's thrown for 3,356 yards. He's done this while leading one of the most prolific offenses in state history. And his performance has etched him into Logan lore, with the likes of his brother and Jeff Manning, who returns from his LDS Church mission this year and will be a freshman at Utah State next fall.

And to think, because of the presence of Luke Falk, this is Nelson's first season as Logan's full-time starter. Nelson split time with Falk last season before the junior moved to California to play at storied Oaks Christian. Even though Falk eventually returned to Logan, Nelson has been the Grizzlies' unquestioned starter and leader.

"He's just amazing," Grizzlies receiver John Schmidt said. "You can't quantify how good he is. He puts the ball in the hands of anyone who is open and needs it. He passes the ball downfield, and he puts the ball in position where you can do things with it after the catch. He can't be stopped."

Never was that more apparent than last week in Logan's 59-30 semifinal win over Bountiful. Nelson, who will head to Utah State after serving his LDS mission, accounted for an awe-inspiring 606 yards of total offense, a state record.

Nelson has simply shown no weakness this season. He's thrown the ball effectively. He's been one of the best scramblers in the state, evading sacks and quarterback pressures seemingly at will. When he's needed to make a big throw, he's done so.

Utah State's belief in his ability to play the position in college, despite his 5-foot-10 frame, served as a major factor for Nelson committing to the Aggies. While other schools wanted him as an athlete — slot receiver or defensive back — coach Gary Andersen was quick to offer him as a quarterback.

Before moving on, however, Nelson will have one more game in high school, one more opportunity to add to his résumé.

"I thought he would have a season like this," Logan head coach Mike Favero said. "Anything is possible with the Nelsons. I've been watching D.J. since he was in the fifth grade. The impossible is possible with him."

tjones@sltrib.comTwitter: @tonyaggieville —

Nelson on Hansen

"Chase is a baller. He's a competitor and he leads the team well. I've watched a couple of games and he's great. I'm happy for him. He's having as good a season as me."