Tennessee WR commitment Julian Nixon talks lessons learned, Vols’ offense and more
Tennessee wide receiver commitment Julian Nixon has learned several lessons over his high school career, especially in a pandemic-riddled senior season.
A focal point for defenses and an asset for his Centennial (GA) Knights, Nixon said he’s learned plenty about leadership on a team that’s currently winless in 2020.
But that leadership also dictates his response when not getting the ball, even as a 225-pound receiver that stood a head taller than most of his opponents in a 31-7 loss last Friday night.
“It’s frustrating, ‘cause I know I am (dominant), and I’m not getting the ball. But it’s just a learning experience,” Nixon said.
As mentioned, the Tennessee commitment’s touches appeared relatively light on Friday.
But when his number was called, he made the most of it.
Nixon stretched his arms toward the sky to snag a touchdown pass, bowled through defenders out of the shotgun formation, and twisted his body so that would-be tacklers bounced to the turf.
After a frustrating loss, Nixon took some time to chat with VR2 on SI.
He discussed his recruitment with Tennessee, aforementioned lessons and how those help him going forward, what he wants to see from the Vols’ offense, and much more.
For the full interview and highlights, click on the video above.
You can also see Nixon’s full SI All-American evaluation below:
Prospect: Julian Nixon
Status: SI All-American Candidate
Vitals: 6-foot-3, 230 pounds
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Roswell (Ga.) Centennial
Committed to: Tennessee
Projected Position: Tight End
Frame: There’s big wideouts, then there’s Julian Nixon. If you’d told me his a defensive end, I wouldn’t have told you otherwise.
Athleticism: He had breakaway speed as a freshman, but 30 pounds later he’s become a top-end athlete based on physicality. He has maintained the fluid body movements that he possessed as a smaller athlete. Has leaping ability relative to size.
Instincts: Physicality is his strong suit. He has the tendency to shut down routes but locates the ball really well in the air. Has decent top-end speed, but understands how to box out defenders and use his size.
Polish: Will need to either continue to work on quick-twitch muscle groupings or change positions. No telling at this point if end of the line blocking is ever in his future, but certainly has the frame and size to become a willing blocker if asked. Ball skills and deeper route running are Power-5 caliber as is.
Bottom Line: Nixon fits the modern age H-back profile ala Tre’ McKitty. Someone who will be deadly as tight end/halfback/slot wide receiver. If you asked him to defeat Power-5 man-to-man corners, I don’t think he’s going to be a separation creator, but perhaps it won’t matter due to his size. Defensive backs certainly won’t want to tangle with him after the catch.