IMG Academy Recruit Has Miami, FSU, and Top Programs Coming After Him
With the class of 2025, Miami’s efforts to recruit IMG academy football talent has continued.
According to the 247 database, the Hurricanes already offered more than 10 players from the classes of 2025 and 2026. One of those 2025 recruits has seen elite college football programs come after him.
A consensus 4-star recruit by Rivals, 247, On3, and ESPN, Gavin Nix is a sideline-to-sideline tackling machine. At 6 feet and 230 pounds, he could play either middle or weak-side linebacker at the Power 4 level.
A wide-ranging offer list includes programs like Miami, Florida State, Duke, North Carolina, Louisville, Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, South Carolina, Texas A&M, Texas, Penn State, Michigan, Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Oregon.
Nix took the time to discuss his recruitment with AllHurricanes and define where his recruitment stands. First up, which school is coming after Nix the hardest?
“I would say Florida State, Miami, with them being in-state, I feel like they both kept some of the strongest relationships since early in my recruitment,” Nix began. “Oregon, Notre Dame, Ohio State, those are three big ones out-of-state; also Texas A&M. The linebackers coach just came over from Florida and I have a good relationship with him. And Tennessee. Those are like heavy programs in my recruitment right now.”
Those same programs will be getting unofficial visits this spring, plus Florida as well.
As for which program he has the best relationship with, it made Nix think.
“Hmmm. I wouldn’t say there’s a school I have the best relationship with. About this time, a lot of schools are starting to recruit me a lot harder.”
Nix expanded on the topic by looking at from a point of which coaches he has been communicating with.
“I wouldn’t say there’s just one coach that I have a strong relationship with. Shoot, there are a few I have strong relationships with. I don’t want just one coach sticking out right now over anybody (else).”
With a plethora of college options, Nix touched on his timeline to select a school.
“All the schools that I’m visiting in the spring are definitely all my top contenders. We’re (my dad and I) going to try and narrow the list down, once we both see all the schools we’re both for sure on.
“Then, go on a few official visits and make a decision right before my senior year so I don’t have to worry about my recruitment going into my last year of high school football.”
With the basics of Nix’s decision-making process defined, he discussed two of the head coaches coming after him, beginning with Miami’s Mario Cristobal.
“Super-laid back, down-to-earth type of dude. With him playing there, he has a deep tradition with Miami. He’s been there when they’re at the top of college football so he knows what it looks like.
“That’s his vision right now, to get them back. He’s a great dude that’s definitely building something special down there. Coach Cristobal, we talk almost every week man. So, he’s definitely strong in my recruitment with Miami.”
Next up, Nix’s thoughts on FSU’s Mike Norvell.
“All positive about Norvell. His energy is ridiculous. His energy is really electrifying throughout his whole (coaching) staff. I think it’s a big focal point of his success and what he’s been able to do.
“He’s brought Florida State’s program onto a great path. He’s going to continue to do that just from Norvell being the nucleus. He’s doing great things.
“Norvell is a great dude, man. He’s a great guy to be around. He can walk into a dark room and light it up; he’s that type of guy that’s great all-around.”
As for Nix improving on his craft, he takes it just as seriously as he ever did to gain the interest of elite college football programs.
“Being at IMG, I’ve seen what it takes to get to where I’m trying to get. I’ve been continuing to sharpen up all the tools in my toolbox, as far as getting stronger, faster, and definitely smarter with the time off (before spring practice).”
To that point, Nix discussed his desire to learn the game of football.
“Being able to have a great understanding of the game is huge. If anything stuck out right now, it’s me taking advantage of learning offenses, offensive schemes…shoot, and mastering our schemes (at IMG).
“I’m just trying to stay disciplined, and wake up every day, keep the main thing the main thing. You know, I have dreams of playing in the NFL. So, my lifestyle has to be a testament to that every day.
“Whether that’s getting up early every day and running extra before we lift, or spending extra time in the film room. The process man, just really honing in on the process of what it looks like step-by-step of me having a great senior year and me going to college. Then, God-willing, me making it to a higher level (in the NFL).”
Nix is a tremendous prospect and young man. He’s earned all the recognition the right way. It will be interesting to see which fortunate college football program ends up with his signature on a national letter of intent.
Fan Nation High school football recruiting analyst covering the state of Florida, as well as across the Southeastern United States and the state of Texas.