Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: TraShaun Nixon, LB, New Mexico State

NFL Draft Diamonds Spotlight Interview: TraShaun Nixon, LB, New Mexico State

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?
There were plenty of teams that recruited me out of HS but due to my grades I had to take the JUCO route. Out of JUCO I was being recruited by Mississippi st. South Florida, Utah, Hawaii, Lafeyette, New Mexico, Nevada, and NMSU

How did you come to make your college decision?
I chose to attend NMSU because of coach DeWayne Walker, he recruited me out of HS and told me he would offer me again if I got my grades right in juco and he stood by his word so him being loyal was big to me.

Where are you training, and what are your goals for pro day/combines?
I am training at Athletes Performance in Carson California, and by the time I have to perform I want to be in the best shape possible and max out all my God given talents.

Have any scouts met with you, and if so what are they saying?
Scouts haven’t met with me personally through the season but my coaches have told me scouts talked to the, about me and were saying some really good things about me playing at the next level.

At your position, what separates you from the others?
I feel like my athletic ability. I feel like I have the athleticism of a safety with the size and mentality of a linebacker.

Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?
When watching film playing Linebacker I spend hours on film. I look for many different things such as personnel, tendencies the opposing players may have, what types of plays the opposing team may run on 1st and 10, 2nd and short, 2nd and long and 3rd down. What are the other teams go to plays when they absolutely have to have a first down. who are there go to guys. And much more.

Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?
The best player I’ve faced has to be the left tackle from Auburn last year, Greg Robinson

If you could compare your play to one person in the NFL who would it be?
The one person I would compare myself to in the league right now is Alec Ogletree.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest obstacle I had to overcome in my life was the death of my older brother, he was a father figure to me and my brothers so it really it home when he passed. The way I handled the tough time was just getting close to God and bonding with my family.

What system fits your style of play the best?
I would have to say 4-3 weak side linebacker.

What is your biggest strength?
My biggest strength is being able to cover RBs one on one with no help and making plays in open space.

What is your biggest weakness?
My biggest weakness would have to be my hands.

If I were a GM and gave you a minute to sell yourself, what would you say?
If you chose to select me you will be getting a player for the long run. A player who also will be a dominant force on special teams as well as defense. Somebody you will never have to worry about off the field issues with and just an all around great person as well as football player.

Growing up, who was your role model?
My older brother Davaun.

Who was your favorite team and player in the NFL and why?
My favorite player was Ray Lewis and my favorite team was the Denver broncos.

If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be?

I would have to say my brother Davaun, My uncle Thurman, and my Grandfather Gentry all whom which have passed.

What would you buy with your first NFL paycheck?
With my first paycheck I am going to buy a tombstone for my older brother Davaun.