Gator Country

Florida senior offensive tackle Xavier Nixon started on a Gators' line that helped pave the way for UF's first 1,000-yard rusher since 2004. / Gator Country photo by Wes Hall

For a true freshman to start in the Southeastern Conference is an impressive feat.

To do so along the offensive line is a downright rarity.

There aren’t many offensive linemen who are fresh out of the prep ranks who have the physical makeup or mental maturity to handle the monsters of the defensive lines around the conference.

But for Fayetteville, N.C., native Xavier Nixon — who became the first freshman to start at tackle for Florida since 1995 — he not only proved that he had the type of special talent to start as a freshman for the reigning national champions, but also showed a remarkable ability to persevere through the tough times off the field as well.

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