The 2014 running back class in the state of Texas is a strong one and Austin (TX) Lake Travis’ Varshaun Nixon is right in that top group, with the 2014 LSR ranking him the top back and just outside the top 10 in the state.
2014 RB Varshaun Nixon extends timetable after injury
Originally set to make a decision after his junior season, the Lake Travis running back has pushed that back due to a knee injury.
The four-star prospect by 247Sports with an ideal build for his position currently holds offers from Baylor, Clemson, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, TCU, and SMU, with some interest from Oklahoma after visiting recently for the Notre Dame game, as well as Alabama, Boise State, and Oklahoma State.
During the summer, Nixon said that receiving an offer from the hometown Longhorns would “be a dream come true,” but Texas already has commitments from Aldine (TX) Eisenhower’s Donald Catalon and Fort Worth (TX) All Saints’ Daniel Gresham, with Las Vegas (NV) Bishop Gorman’s Nathan Starks and New Olreans (LA) St. Augustine’s Leonard Fournette the only other backs with offers, both of whom are national recruits that Texas would consider taking if they wanted to commit.
After a strong start to his junior season, Nixon is working his way back from a partially torn MCL, with has caused him to miss four games and delay his timetable. Originally slated to make a decision following his junior season, Nixon now plans on visiting several Junior Days in February.
So where does the recruitment of the 5-9, 180-pounder stand right now in light of that news?
In the middle of October, Nixon said that three schools were standing out for him ($) -- Texas A&M, Clemson, and Texas Tech. He has also said that A&M and Tech are the two schools recruiting him the hardest, but Clemson does have the advantage of former Lake Travis head coach Chad Morris calling the shots on offense.
The Red Raiders have some connections as well, though, as Nixon played last season with the likely 2013 Texas Tech starter at quarterback, Michael Brewer. Additionally, Tech's running backs coach Chad Scott has dangled the prospect of early playing time for the quick and elusive back with a high-effort style.
After the season, Nixon tentatively plans on making Junior Days at A&M and Clemson.
As for a possible favorite, Nixon has been high on A&M for some time, calling them the leader during the summer ($), and saying that he “got caught up in the moment ($)” when at the SEC opener for the Aggies against Florida and considered committing.
It didn’t happen, and now appears that the talented back will spend quite a bit more time on the open market before making a decision.
