Gators are Xavier Nixon’s choice

The top-rated prospect in North Carolina, Xavier Nixon (6-6, 275, Fayetteville, NC/Jack Britt) committed to the University of Florida at halftime of the Army All-American Bowl in the San Antonio Alamodome, ending months of speculation that had him headed to the the Gators. Nixon picked Florida over LSU, Miami and a late charge from Butch Davis and the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Nixon has a banner senior campaign for the Jack Britt Buccaneers. He finished his senior season with 50 tackles while playing on defense, and added to it with plenty of pancake blocks on offense as well. Although the Bucs lost a heartbreaker in the 4-AA state title game to Rockingham Richmond, 38-35, Nixon’s senior season still turned out to be a memorable one.

Over the course of the process, Nixon took just one official visit (to Florida for the Miami game) and followed it up later in the season with an unofficial trip to Gainesville, where he and his Mom piled several teammates into a van and watched the Gators get a big win over the LSU Tigers.

The commitment was even more special, as both of his parents are active duty members of the Armed Forces. In a game which is sponsored by the Army, this moment had even more meaning for Nixon. His father has been stationed in Afghanistan for the better part of a year, and he was approved for leave to come see his son make his college choice in front of a national audience.

Nixon is considered the 53rd rated player in the country nationally, but could move up after a big week of performances in San Antonio where he consistently showed he was one of the top offensive linemen in attendance.

He becomes Florida’s 16th commitment for the 2009 class.

ESPN EVALUATION:

Nixon has the athletic skills to be one of the better offensive linemen in the class of 2009. … With a tall frame, he has long arms and is light on his feet for a tackle pushing 300 pounds. … His mobility isn’t an issue. … He pulls a lot and gets out of his stance quickly. … Loses very little speed when turning upfield, especially for a big man. … Sometimes misses in space. … Needs to be more consistently under control and avoid overrunning the defender. … Shows super effort getting across the field from the back side. … He’s still learning to use his legs and upper body as one weapon. … Has a tendency to overstride and lose some power when delivering a blow. … He’s aggressive at the point of attack and can come out low with a lot of force and punch, but he needs to do it more consistently. … He’s impressive on combination blocks. … Shows good hip roll and leg drive once he engages the defender. … Executes the down block with perfection. … Has no trouble getting his head across and in front of a defensive lineman because of his quickness off the ball. … Has good football sense and rarely takes plays off. … Has quick feet in pass protection, but he sometimes gets his weight too far forward. … Needs to keep his hands inside and consistently deliver the first punch to a pass rusher’s chest. …  Tends to go too high or miss with his initial blow. … Nixon is undoubtedly athletic enough to be a very good blocker at the next level, but more body control and work in the weight room could transform him into a complete tackle.

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