Carl Nixon Jr is a 6’2 230-pound defensive lineman out of L.W. Higgins High School in Marrero, Louisiana. Carl was a consistent force on the defensive line for the Hurricanes’ defense, wrecking through offensive lineman to make plays in the backfield all season. He showcased the ability to shed blockers and get pressure on the quarterback from either defensive end spot. Carl is the true definition of a warrior, coming back from two injuries as strong as ever. To go along with his on-field production, Carl has a 3.0 GPA.
Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/profile/9963868/Carl-BEAST-Nixonjr
At what age did you start playing football and who/what motivated you to do so? “I started playing when I was 13 years old. I was not a big fan of football. Most of the men in my family played. I was always a small kid and never really played any physical sports. I ran track in 6th grade, and I played soccer. My whole family tried to get me to watch but I did not like it. My uncle is my biggest motivator. He is the one who got me in sports, and I have a lot to thank him for on this journey. My first year was very crucial. I did not know anything about football. I was just a student of the game, taking it day by day. My coaches got upset over certain things, but I grew every week and won a championship eventually at 14. I Started playing at Higgins in 8th grade. It was amazing that I had played in a high school football in 8th grade, still not knowing much about football. I just got in there. I started to realize my potential and that helped kick my football career off.”
Talk to me a little bit about the injury you suffered your junior year? “I was participating in a drill at a football camp. As I was going to make a tackle on a dummy, I did a spin move and the guy was still holding on to me. When I turned, my leg implanted the wrong way, and I heard a pop in my knee. I immediately thought I tore my ACL, but I did not know for sure until I had an MRI. I had to miss my entire JR year because I needed knee reconstruction.”
What was the recovery process like after finding out about the injury? “I suffered back spasms before but that was minor. I never thought I would have a major injury like that and finding out that I would only play if I had ACL reconstruction was hard decision between me, my family and uncle. It was a major surgery, and I had many doubts about it not working. The recovery time was long. I went and got a second opinion and it turned out to be a torn ACL. I made the decision to get the surgery. My expected recovery time was 1 year but I recovered in 6-7 months.”
What would Carl Nixon Jr bring to a program at the next level? “A player that comes motivated every day, on and off field. I will put in work in the weight room and classroom. I am a player who leads by example and gives 110% every play in practice and in games. Wherever I am put on the defense I will give my best effort.”
Which NFL players do you try to model your game after? “Chase Young from Washington Football Team and Von Miller from the Denver Broncos. They are both versatile. Chase young plays a pass and run style rush. Von is a stand-up edge rusher, Chase has his hand in the ground. These are players I want to be like soon.”
What do you love most about playing the game of football? “I love the grind of the sport and just having the opportunity to get better every day. Every time I line up, I think of the person in front of me as standing in the way of my future. I am a person who challenges myself. If someone in the weight room benches more than me, I will put in the work to pass their weight. In the classroom, I’ll challenge myself to get the grades I want.”
