Four-Star EDGE Isaiah Nixon flips from Florida to UCF

Four-star EDGE Isaiah Nixon of Saint Petersburg (FL) Lakewood High flipped his commitment from Florida to UCF Wednesday morning.

The 6-foot-4, 210 pounder had been committed to the Gators since June.

Nixon on why he chose UCF

“I had a way better relationship with the coaches than Florida and I wanted to play my freshman year,” Nixon said. “So to me I thought that UCF would be the star and lift the program up and make it a better college. As for Florida, I didn’t really have a good relationship with the coaches and Florida was already a big school.”

Relationship with coaching staff

“I’m closest with coach Ingram, the defensive end coach,” Nixon said. “He’s planning on using me as an OLB to play the flats and rush the QB on 3rd downs.”.

Isaiah Nixon Scouting Summary

“Edge defender whose combination of get-off, burst and bend consistently allows him to get into the backfield and make plays behind the line of scrimmage,” On3’s Director of Scouting Charles Power wrote. “Change of direction is rare for his size. Stands 6-foot-3.5, 210 pounds with a 6-foot-4 wingspan. Jumped a 26-inch vertical and ran an electronically-timed 4.50 shuttle and 7.20 3-cone during the spring camp circuit before his senior season. High motor player that works to make plays from backside and in the flat. Excellent speed rush skills, will need to develop a larger pass rush arsenal. Shows willingness to strike and use his hands in the run game.”

“Lacks ideal length to engage opponent first consistently. Needs to add functional strength and mass in his lower half. Should be taken care of early in college career with collegiate strength and nutrition staff. Has the athletic ability and physical tools to turn in an illustrious college career. Should see early work at the next level as stand up pass rush specialist and space defender on passing downs.”

Nixon ranks as the No. 250 player in the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that accounts for all four major recruiting sites. He also tabs in as the No. 27 EDGE and the No. 48 player in the state of Florida.