One to Watch Interview: Long Beach Poly Safety Ryan Nixon Prepping for Big Senior Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
A senior season for any high school athlete is center stage time with a spotlight fixated watching to see if all the years of practices, game experience, and weight room efforts will culminate from promising prospect to rising star talent. One southern California athlete ready to put a stamp on his senior season in 2017 by elevating his game is Ryan Nixon.
Nixon had a solid season for Long Beach Poly in 2016 coming up with 29 tackles, three pass breakups, and a forced fumble. The Jackrabbits are absolutely loaded heading into the 2017 schedule with a lot of talk about how far into the playoffs the team can go. One of the more intriguing prospects on the roster certainly capable of a dominating All-State kind of year who could help push his Long Beach squad deep into the playoffs is Nixon.
The Jackrabbits’ rising talent has all of the physical tools to bring his game to the proverbial next level. At 6-3, 180 pounds, Nixon has good speed covering sideline to sideline, he is athletic, and does not look for the highlight reel hit coming downhill preferring to take out a ball carriers’ knees for the sure tackle. Interest is building, especially after landing his first offer from Nevada. The off-season for Nixon will be filled with track workouts, 7v7 tournaments, and a camp circuit set to impress.
With Long Beach Poly upperclassmen safeties off to Boise State and Washington State, plus the on the field tutelage from former NFL star Antonio Pierce, Nixon is one of the under the radar players who should see a big spike on the recruiting trail in the coming months with the opportunity to shine game in and game out during the 2017 season.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Nixon covering his junior campaign, off-season plans, and his first offer.
Interview
Ryan, looking at yourself as a defensive back, do you consider your natural position at strong or free safety?
“I consider myself a strong safety because of my size and length.”
How did your junior season go overall?
“I feel the season went well. I will improve a lot more this year. I am going hard this off-season. The mistakes I made last year I will not make during my senior year.”
What areas of your game got better last year?
“I feel like my speed got a lot better. I was focused on my assignments. My football IQ improved a lot more. I feel like I got a lot better last season with my play recognition. I watched a lot of film last season.”
Where all will you lineup during the 2017 season?
“At strong safety, free safety, and some at nickel too.”
Will you play any offense next season?
“No. I like to give the hits.”
What are your off-season workout goals?
“My main thing is to get stronger, faster, and to put on more weight. I really want to improve my speed.”
Are you playing with a 7v7 team?
“Yes, sir. I play for Elite Athletes.”
How is 7v7 helping your overall game?
“It is improving my football IQ and improving my technique. Playing 7v7, you have to use technique because you don’t have pads on.”
Did your team compete at the Pylon tournament in Vegas last weekend? If so, how did it go?
“It went well. There were a lot of teams there. There were a lot of teams from all over the country. Teams from Florida, Arizona, and California. A lot of good competition there.”
Let’s switch over to recruiting. You have an offer on the table. Who offered you?
“Nevada. They offered me about two weeks ago on Feb. 15.”
How did they offer you?
“I was at track practice. My football coach called my track coach to reach me. He told me that Nevada had just offered.”
That is a big moment for all high school athletes. How did it feel finding out you had just received your first college scholarship offer?
“It did not hit me that I had received my first offer. I was in shock. I took it as a blessing from God. There are a lot of people that do not have that opportunity.”
Which other schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Fresno State, Boise State, Wyoming, Oregon State, and a little from USC as well.”
Do you know which camps you may attend coming up?
“I’m going to a USC and Washington State camp and some Mountain West camps. I have been invited to the Nike Opening Reginal (LA) too.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“I took one on Tuesday to USC.”
How did that go?
“It was great. They have great facilities. I’ve been there a few times. I saw my cousin Iman Marshall (sophomore DB). He is at USC now.”
Did you get to visit UNLV during your trip to Vegas for the Pylon tournament?
“I did. That was cool. My defensive backs coach introduced me to one of the coaches there. They said that they like my size and that they will follow up with me.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“None planned for now.”
What is your cumulative GPA?
“3.0.”
Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?
“No. I’m taking SAT prep classes right now.”
Are you participating in any other sports for Poly?
“I’m working out with the track team. I’m working to get faster out there.”
Last question. What do you love about playing football?
“I grew up around it. I love everything about it. My uncle (Willie McGinest) played in the NFL (New England Patriots). I have been around it my whole life.”
Ryan, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
Click the link to see Ryan Nixon’s Hudl highlight reel.
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Photo credit: Nixon family; No. 4 Ryan Nixon in action (2016).
Photo credit: Nixon family; No. 4 Ryan Nixon pre-snap (2016).
Photo credit: Nixon family; No. 4 Ryan Nixon surveys the defense (2016).