Nixon decides to stay in-state
New Haven (Conn.) Hyde Leadership athlete Jamie Nixon finished up his recruitment yesterday when he decided to stay in-state with the Huskies. The 6-foot-1, 177-pounder chose Connecticut over offers from Maryland, Nebraska, North Carolina, Rutgers, Virginia and others.
"I told coach Richardson and Edsall my decision yesterday," he said. "They were both really excited about it.
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"In the end I felt very comfortable down there with their players and coaches. I feel like that's where I fit in best. I already knew a lot of the coaches and then I really liked my time with the players."
Nixon's brother Brandon McLean just finished his sophomore year at UConn. Did that play much of a factor in his decision?
"It really didn't," he said. "My brother didn't play into it that much at all, I just felt comfortable there on my own."
The No. 34 athlete in the country has a shot at playing next year for the Huskies.
"The coaches aren't sure which side of the ball I'll play on, but there is a possibility I will play as a freshman," he said. "Between now and summer I plan to gain some weight, get a little stronger, bigger and faster and prepare myself mentally."
Nixon expects big things from Connecticut in the future.
"I want to let all the fans know that we will be in a bowl game real soon."