Four-star EDGE Isaiah Nixon joins forces with the Gators
One of the top edge rushers in the Sunshine State is off the market once again.
Isaiah Nixon, a four-star prospect from St. Petersburg (Fla.) Lakewood, has committed to the University of Florida after previously being teamed up with UCF. He announced his de-commitment from the Knights roughly 24 hours ago.
The Gators welcomed the 2023 prospect to campus this past weekend for an official visit. Nixon made his way to the Swamp in early March as well. UCF ended up reeling in his commitment roughly a month later; however, conversations continued to take place and then Gators were able to secure an official visit date.
Now, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound defensive lineman is all in with the orange and blue.
According to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, Nixon ranks as the No. 22 EDGE and No. 169 player regardless of position. He is also the 34th-ranked rising senior in the Sunshine State.
“Florida’s a great school. It’s big too,” James told Gators Online after his visit in March. “They have construction I really want to see during the summer, so it’s going to be fun to see.
“This school right here is one of my top priorities and one of my top choices. It’s a great school. I love the football program, love the coaches and love everything.
“I like how they are building a relationship with me,” Nixon added. “They want me here bad because they like my size and playing skills. Florida is a great school and I’m looking forward to coming back here for an official visit.”
Several Gators staff members are prioritizing Isaiah Nixon
A flurry of UF staff members are linked to Nixon’s recruitment; however, it’s Sean Spencer who serves as his go-to contact. UF’s co-defensive coordinator stopped by Lakewood High during the spring as well.
Outside linebackers coach Mike Peterson, who will be the rising senior’s positional coach, and Jamar Chaney also play a pivotal role during the recruiting process.
“He’s a great coach,” James said of Peterson. “He coached at South Carolina and had a lot of players he coached go to the NFL. That’s where I want to be at. He’s a great coach.
“They want me at the outside linebacker spot, but they want me to rush the quarterback on third down. They want me standing up on third down because of my speed and quickness off the ball.”
With the addition of Nixon, Florida now holds commitments from seven prospects in the 2023 class, including six from the Sunshine State. Recent official visitor and Ocala-based offensive lineman, Tommy Kinsler, is fresh off committing to Napier’s program as well.
In addition to the Gators and Knights, Nixon possesses offers from Georgia, Oklahoma, Florida State, Penn State, Michigan State, Kentucky, Auburn and Ole Miss among others.
During the 2021 season, Nixon piled up 75 tackles (22 solo), 24 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, two fumble recoveries and two pass deflections. The Lakewood Spartans finished the season with a record of 10-3.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
