RECRUITING: Coaches keep eye on Nixon
Stephen Nixon’s prowess in another sport is causing college football recruiters to gain interest in the Cimarron-Memorial junior running back.
“A 10.57 (seconds) electronically timed 100 meters,” Spartans coach Rod Vollan said, referring to one of Nixon’s track accomplishments. “That is great track speed to be able to run the ball like he did.”
Nixon (5 feet 8 inches, 168 pounds) rushed for 1,954 yards and 23 touchdowns last fall, leading the Spartans to a 7-5 record. In track this season, he is pursuing his third straight Class 4A state title in the 100.
Nixon has been clocked at 4.41 seconds in the 40-yard dash, Vollan said.
“Stephen’s a great athlete, a great football player,” he said.
UNLV was the first school to offer Nixon a scholarship, and “he gets mail on a regular basis” from Southern California, Oregon, California and UCLA, Vollan said.
Nixon also made a recent appearance on the ESPNU 150 watch list, which ranks the top prospects in the 2010 class. Bishop Gorman tight end Xavier Grimble was on ESPNU’s most recent 150 list Wednesday, and Nixon was on the cusp along with safeties Harvey Yarborough of Rancho and Eric Tuiloma of Desert Pines.
BASKETBALL SENIORS — The regular signing period for basketball runs April 15 to May 20. Updates on uncommitted prospects:
— Durango guard Marcus Falley said Texas Southern and Idaho have shown interest, though he won’t commit anywhere until after taking the ACT on April 4.
— Gorman guard Kylel Coleman is drawing interest from Weber State, Eastern Washington, Pepperdine, Santa Clara and Northern Illinois, Gaels coach Grant Rice said.
— Cheyenne guard Demetric Williams is being eyed by Wichita State, Pepperdine, UC Riverside, Texas Southern and Southern Methodist, Desert Shields coach Teral Fair said.
— Las Vegas guard Tony Eackles plans to make an official visit to Alcorn State, Wildcats coach Jason Wilson said.
FOOTBALL DECISIONS — Del Sol running back Derek Eamon (Utah) and Las Vegas quarterback Emir Lopez (UNR) are seniors who have recently accepted invitations to walk on.
Recent signings include Palo Verde running back Chaz Thomas (Minnesota-Duluth) and Mountain View quarterback Raymond Velarde (Dakota Wesleyan). The signing deadline is April 1.
RECENT COMMITMENTS — In other sports, seniors who have recently committed or signed include Bonanza girls basketball guard Christin Figgins (Brigham Young-Hawaii), Canyon Springs girls track sprinter Amber Scott (Cal State Fullerton) and Arbor View softball catcher Chelsea Venable (Weber State).
