Matt Nixon
Linebacker/Long Snapper
6-0, 200
Phoenix, AZ (Sunnyslope HS)
A player who wasn't recruited hard by many top schools because he didn't
fit the computer in terms of his size, but impressed the Cal coaching staff
because of his ability to make plays...has tremendous instincts and makes
things happen on the football field...very active player from sideline to
sideline...earned All-Skyline Region honors as both a senior at linebacker
and tight end...also was a member of the Arizona all-state team (4A
division)...finished '97 with 131 tackles, including 25 solos...also had
3.5 sacks, blocked 2 punts and had 2 interceptions, both which he returned
for TDs...as a tight end in a wing-T offense, he had 50 catches for 606
yards and 2 TDs...also rushed for 309 yards on just 17 carries (18.2
ave)..earned a scholarship offer also because he is regarded as a
tremendous long-snapper and should immediately contend for starting duties
at that position for Cal...comes to Cal with a 3.8 GPA and a 1310 score in
the SAT...turned down offers from Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth and Nevada to
sign with Cal.
