L.W. Higgins' "Beast" Defensive End/Outside Linebacker Carl Nixon Determined To Bounce Back After 2019 Season Ending Injury

by Jace LeJeune

L.W. Higgins High School senior defensive end/outside linebacker Carl Nixon is nicknamed "Beast" because of what he can do on the football field. At 6-2, 230 pounds, Nixon shows some impressive 4.65/40 speed and has great pass rushing ability.

"The biggest part of my game is I'm scheme diverse and my ability to pass rush," Nixon said. "I'm still a work in progress on becoming a complete defensive player."

Because of his natural abilities, Nixon was able to get some attention at the start of his junior season.

"Earning three scholarships from Carthage , Sterling , and Louisiana has been the biggest accomplishment of my career so far," Nixon said. "Before the world wide pandemic, LSU sent me football camp invites in February for the summer. I've had multiple interest letters from s including Yale, Millsaps , Lyon , Wingate University, Sterling , and CUC University."

Nixon was waiting to breakout even more and bring more game film for bigger s to evaluate, but unfortunately, the season was ended way before it got started when he tore his ACL and his meniscus.

"That was the toughest thing on my career so far," Nixon said.

At that particular point of his career, it was tough for the Higgins defensive end to miss an entire season, but it was this tough lesson that will only make him stronger in the future.

"What this injury taught me was how important the mental aspect of the game was," Nixon said.

While recovering from the injury with a positive attitude, it was encouraging to have some of Tulane's coaches give him some words of advice as well.

"I talked most with Coach Willie Fritz, who is the head coach at Tulane University," Nixon said. "He told me not to get discouraged by my injury, but to work hard and grind every rep. I also talked with Tulane's defensive line coach, and he told me to work hard and rehab good. He also told me that he will be looking for me next season."

With eyes on Nixon in 2020, the defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid wants to put a little extra this season in order to make up lost time the previous season.

"I want to win our district title," Nixon said. "I want to accomplish my District, Metro, and All-State player accolades. I have given myself personal statistical goals, which should increase my recruitment."

In order to accomplish those goals, Nixon is focusing on improving his consistency and stopping the run. He has also watched other professionals like Chase Young (Ohio State/Washington Football Team) and Von Miller (Texas A&M/Denver Broncos) because of their versatility.

"I utilize moves with technique and fundamentals," Nixon said. "I don’t really have a favorite move. I just try to do what is needed to get the job done."

As far as careers are concerned, Nixon is open to whatever comes his way as he is considering architecture, real estate, sports administration, and sports marketing. He is also considering what schools he may attend to play football at the next level.

"The first thing I look for is does the school offer what I want to major in, proximity to home, school prestige, and a competing football program," Nixon said.

After going through the highs and lows of playing football, Carl Nixon is grateful for another opportunity to showcase his skills and make the best of his opportunity.

"I’m dedicated, discipline, focused, and determined," Nixon said. "I come to practice with a attitude to out work no matter who’s in front of me."

For not only Nixon, but his Higgins teammates, that opportunity in front of them starts tonight against Hahnville.

Click the link below to check out Carl Nixon's highlights:

https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9963868/5dd9b99d6655af0c50a76d44

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Jace is from Addis, LA but resides in Port Allen, LA. Jace attends Southeastern Louisiana University and is majoring in Communications. This is Jace’s fourth year as Associate Editor at Louisiana Football Magazine. He is also a graduate from Catholic High School in baton-rouge where he was the editor of the school newspaper the “Bearly Published.” While at CHS, Jace also announced their football, basketball, and baseball games for the Bruin Broadcast Network which is the Catholic High’s streaming website for their events. On weekends, Jace is the PA announcer for his middle school football games. At home, Jace enjoys time with his family and friends. Besides being a huge football fan, Jace is also an avid NHRA drag racing fan.