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Louis Nix III is not a household name with regards to the scope of college football. There is an intriguing blend of established players and under the radar NFL talent on this year’s Notre Dame football roster. Now a third year starter whose stats can match his larger than life build and personality, Louis Nix should transition this year from an impressive specimen to a defensive leader prepared for the next level.
Against Alabama in last year’s National Title game, Notre Dame was embarrassed. The embarrassment continued into the offseason with Manti Te’o’s catfish predicament becoming public. As if that was not enough, quarterback Everett Golson will miss a year from the program he led to the championship game after being declared ineligible.
While the title game and the offseason were rough for most, Louis Nix not only remained quiet with regards to controversy the entire offseason, but ended last season in impressive style. While most of the team struggled, Louis Nix looked outstanding when matched up against Barrett Jones and Chance Warmack.
The rewards of Nix’s effort are awaiting him at the end of this season. A projected first round pick and arguably now the best defensive tackle in college football, Nix can solidify himself as a top five pick with another great year. Last year, in 11 starts, Nix recorded 50 tackles and a team high five pass breakups displaying not only his run-stopping ability but that his motor and physical style of play make him a pass-rushing threat.
Despite being an incredible physical specimen, Nix has yet to truly show the thing that NFL scouts salivate over. The on the field leadership on the defensive end is now placed onto Louis Nix’s massive shoulders. With coach Brian Kelly’s system now solidified and plenty of returning starters on the defensive end, the load will be spread across many players, not just Nix.
“It’s just tough love, you know, I love my guys…I’m not the guy on the sidelines yelling Go Team!” An adamant smack talker, 2013 will certainly be the year where Nix proves whether or not he can be a superstar at the next level.
Follow Mike Guzman on Twitter @Mike486
