Texarkana Gazette

Razorback lineman Nix excited about changes

- By Earl Gill

It’s not usual that an offensive lineman is the leader of your team, but for Arkansas High in 2017, Austin Nix is that man.

Nix isn’t your typical center. He boasts a 3.9 GPA and also holds an offer to play football for Ouachita Baptist University.

“Austin is one of our guys that can really do anything,” Arkansas High head coach Barry Norton said. “He plays baseball for us and he’s an exceptiona­l athlete. Nixy is a wonderful young man and also one of the smartest athletes we have in the school.”

“When the guys came here to recruit, I explained to him that I haven’t coached him but he’s a kid that a bunch of schools are going to start offering.”

Nix has adjusted to the coaching change and also is focused for the upcoming season.

“Having a new coach is definitely exciting for us,” Arkansas High senior center Austin Nix said. “We’re definitely dedicated to winning this season, so I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a blast.”

Nix also understand­s that the position he is in, is also good for his teammates, with college coaches evaluating his film.

“It’s an honor to have college coaches believe I have the ability to play for their team,” Nix said. “Anyone who gets an offer, is not only great for them but also their teammates.”

The 6-2 260 pound senior not only excels on the football field and baseball diamond, but he also has enrolled in mostly Advanced Placement classes during his final year.

“I just want to prepare for what I would like to do for the rest of my life,” Nix said. “I hold my classwork in high regard. There’s no reason of taking a short cut because it’s going to get difficult in college. I feel like I’m preparing myself for what’s to come.”

Nix also shows his colorful side with his suggestion of the pregame playlist.

“I listen to a bunch of different music on game days,” Nix said. “We have mix CD’s that are already made but I really like the Migos last album. I also have the new Post Malone album on rotation.”

The Hog captain also has high aspiration­s for his squad going into 2017.

“We’ve put in a lot of preparatio­n to have a good season,” Nix said. “The main goal is to finish the season strong and to leave it all on the field. We have to do the little things right.”

“We have the talent and the speed, but we have to focus. As long as we do what we’re supposed to do, there’s no reason we shouldn’t be successful this season.”

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A. NIX Arkansas High

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