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2021 NFL Draft: Daviyon Nixon shows off unicorn athleticism

By Sayre Bedinger

Nov 21, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon (54) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon (54) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Draft: Iowa DL Daviyon Nixon showed off his athleticism vs. Penn State.

The Iowa Hawkeyes got off to a slow start in the 2020 season, but junior defensive lineman Daviyon Nixon has not been taking it slow or easy on anyone.

After playing 13 games in his debut season with the Hawkeyes in 2019 and racking up 29 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks, Nixon has been even better for the Hawkeyes in 2020.

Through just five games, Nixon has 28 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, and a forced fumble. He’s undoubtedly put himself on the 2021 NFL Draft map.

At 6-foot-3, 305 pounds, Nixon looks like he used to be a defensive back with the way he played this pass against Penn State on Saturday afternoon.

https://twitter.com/CFBONFOX/status/1330297485399613440

This is as impressive of a pick-six as you will see at the college level all season. For a 300-pounder to not only leap up and pick off a pass like that but to take it the other way and outrun everyone for six?

That’s crazy.

Nixon is making a ton of plays for the Hawkeyes in short order. He is proving his size, athleticism, and strength are simply too much for offensive linemen to handle.

Not that Nixon is going to be asked to drop into coverage a ton at the next level, but this play is something he will lead off his highlight reel with. It shows a combination of Nixon’s instincts to read the type of play Penn State was running, his tremendous leaping ability, and the speed to get 71 yards down the field without being caught by a faster skill position player.

Nixon has big-time NFL potential and if he continues making plays as a run stuffer and pass rusher, it’s clear he is going to test really well at the Scouting Combine or Iowa pro day, whichever the league allows in the 2021 offseason.

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