Florida CB could be a major prospect

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.- Speedy cornerback prospect Patrick Nixon of Ed White High is happy to be a part of the Class of 2008. Originally considered a senior last year, some transcript issues have allowed him to "re-classify" so to speak as a senior in this recruiting cycle. He currently holds one scholarship offer and is getting attention from plenty of other programs.

"I just went to a private school and all of my grades didn't transfer, so that gave me an extra year of eligibility," Nixon said. "It's great because a lot has opened up for me. I can go to any school I want to in the country."

One Big Ten program is currently the lone scholarship offer, but Nixon is getting serious attention from two major in-state schools.

"Illinois is my only offer right now," he said. "But I believe that Florida and Florida State are in the process of doing so."

Former Ed White coach Dan Disch is recruiting Nixon for the Fighting Illini.

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Nixon, who has been timed as fast as 10.6 seconds on the track in the 100-meter dash has been to both schools unofficially.

The trip to Tallahassee stood out.

"I really love Florida State," he said. "That's my dream school. That's where my favorite player, Deion Sanders came from. I just love (head coach) Bobby Bowden and the way he coaches. The defensive coaches there are the best in the country and I know if I went there they would develop me and I would have a chance to get to the NFL."

Nixon also has been impressed with new Florida State assistant coach Lawrence Dawsey.

Coach Dawsey is a really great guy," he said. "He's humble and treats his players fair and makes sure all of his players push themselves."

What would a scholarship offer from the Seminoles mean to Nixon?

"I really don't know but I would be happy because that's my dream school," he said. "Just to know that I would have the chance to go there would be great."

Nixon also has been to Gainesville to check out the defending National Champions.

"It's just nice down there," he said. "I like the work ethic the coaches have and the players. I like the weight room. It's just real good down there."

Nixon also spoke highly of his Florida recruiter Greg Mattison.

"He's a great guy," he said.

There are plenty of other schools that Nixon is interested in as well.

"I'm interested in Illinois, Florida, Florida State Clemson and Georgia Tech," he said. "I also really want to visit California or somewhere like that. Anywhere I go, that will be great. I want to go somewhere where the coaches are nice and treat me right. I am going to take visits, see the facilities and check out the academics and then make my decision."

Nixon credits several with his success on the field to this point.

"My teammates and coaches are a big part of my success," he said. "My coaches give me the look and coach me up and my teammates help me get there."