BREAKING: North Texas transfer LB Larry Nixon III commits to Auburn
Transfer linebacker Larry Nixon III has committed to Auburn football.
Nixon, who is transferring from North Texas, announced his decision Tuesday on Twitter. Nixon chose Auburn over Miami and West Virginia, among others.
“I love the defense,” Nixon told Auburn Live. “What they are doing with the defense, I could see myself doing everything they’d have me doing. And I love the area. It’s a really nice area.”
Nixon’s commitment comes just a few days after leaving an official visit to Auburn. He visited last Thursday and Friday (May 11-12) and knew then that the Tigers would be tough to beat.
“It was a great visit,” he said. “The atmosphere is great. The stadium is great. I love the stadium and the coaches. Hugh (Freeze) did a great job getting everybody up here.”
Nixon, who is listed at 6-foot-2 and 236 pounds, is a graduate transfer with one year of eligibility.
Auburn LB coach played major role in Nixon’s recruitment
Nixon during his visit met in-depth with linebackers coach Josh Aldridge. The two talked about what Nixon’s role would be for the Tigers.
“He’s a great guy,” Nixon said. “He knows what he’s talking about and is a good linebackers coach from the top down. They want to use me at the will position with my speed and cover ability. I can do 1-on-1 and blitz. That’s what they are looking for out of me.”
Nixon liked everything he saw and heard from Aldridge.
“Everything I saw on film is perfect for me,” he said. “I can do everything that they want me to do.”
Transfer LB brings needed experience to Auburn LB group
Nixon played four seasons at North Texas. He totaled 246 tackles in his career. He also racked up 5.5 sacks. In 2022, he was a first-team All-CUSA selection after totaling 105 tackles, including 51 solos, 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack.
“Being at North Texas for five years, I feel like I gave it everything I could,” he said. “For my goal, it’s to get to the (NFL). So, this was a big thing for me … to go out and prove I can do it at the highest level, which is the SEC. That’s the one thing I’m looking for.”
And the thing that he now has.
He also took official visits to Miami and West Virginia before committing to Auburn.
Nixon is the sixth transfer addition for Auburn this spring and second of the day. His former teammate at North Texas, wide receiver Jyaire Shorter, committed to the Tigers earlier on Tuesday. The two teammates join quarterback Payton Thorne (Michigan State), edge rusher Jalen McLeod (Appalachian State), wide receiver Caleb Burton (Ohio State) and offensive lineman Jaden Muskrat (Tulsa) as the newest additions to the Tigers’ roster.
