Four-star LB Gavin Nix heavily considering the Seminoles
Florida State's final Junior Day of January featured plenty of talented prospects across multiple classes. One of the top overall recruits in attendance was rising junior and four-star linebacker, Gavin Nix, out of IMG Academy.
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Though this was his first trip to Tallahassee since the new year, Nix has been to campus a few times in the past. That includes a visit in April where he earned a scholarship from the Seminoles and a stop for a gameday visit where FSU defeated Florida in the regular-season finale.
This time, the trip was about spending more time around head coach Mike Norvell and the coaching staff.
"It was great from coach Norvell to everybody down on the staff," Nix said to NoleGameday's Dustin Lewis. "Every time I come, they always show great hospitality. It was great, I loved it. Looking forward to getting back up here."
One aspect that stood out is the energy that coach Norvell is bringing to Florida State. Nix sees the attitude spreading to the other members of the program and knows Norvell is passionate about developing his players into better men.
"Probably coach Norvell today, his energy is electric and it's spreading throughout the whole staff," Nix said. "Everybody was pumped up and he's excited about he's doing in the future. That's probably what I liked the most."
"It's great because you will want to have a coach who's very passionate about pouring love into his kids and just making them better men," Nix continued. "That's something great that a recruit would love to see."
The culture and tradition at Florida State is obvious. Though the program had some struggles over the last couple of years, Nix is excited to see things starting to get back on track.
"Probably just the culture and the tradition. For years this school has been amazing, they've been able to do great things," Nix said. "To see that coach Norvell is just keeping that culture and everything that this program has done, to see him keeping it going, that's great."
The Seminoles won ten games this past season, their most in a single year since 2016. Florida State also defeated both of its primary rivals - Florida and Miami - for the first time since the same year. Nix was in the stands for the victory against the Gators and he reflected on the atmosphere from that night.
"It showed me that coach Norvell, he's a man of his word," Nix said. "He's doing everything he said he was and as a recruit it will show them that this is something that will be second to none as a life experience. I came to that game and it was probably the best game I've ever went to in my life. Doak was rocking. Hopefully, God willing that'll be something I can be a part of."
One of the last things he did on the visit was sit down with linebackers coach Randy Shannon to watch some film. Nix has been impressed how Shannon has produced multiple standout linebackers into NFL Draft selections. The Seminoles like his versatility as a prospect.
"It was great. I actually just got done talking to him," Nix said. "He was just pouring wisdom into me. We actually got to watch film on their scheme and how their linebackers and what they do translates to the NFL. That's something great because he's teaching his guys what will translate to the next level."
Nix was also about to speak with coach Norvell during the trip. The main thing he is looking for is a program that will develop him the best off the field.
"I've had talks with coach Norvell about what he's doing for his men off the field," Nix said. "So really, I love hearing colleges talk about what they're doing off the field for their men whether it's in school, business, anything. That's probably what stands out to me."
While Nix didn't want to discuss other top schools in his recruitment, it's clear that he's heavily considering the Seminoles. Florida State has been pursuing him since his freshman year of high school.
"FSU always stacks up high because they've always showed love," Nix said. "Since I've come here my freshman year, they've never stopped coming at me and showing love. They'll always be pretty high."
Nix plans to return to Florida State in the spring to view a practice. He's looking forward to coming back to Tallahassee.
6-foot-2, 207-pound linebacker is regarded as the No. 54 overall prospect, the No. 6 LB, and the No. 7 recruit in the state of Florida in the 2025 class according to 247Sports.
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