Patrick Nixon-Youman
Safety
5′-10″, 180 lbs.
Senior (on scholarship, 1 year to play 1)
Middleburg HS / Jacksonville, Florida

ALE Ranking last year: #35

What I Know About Him:

I know he had a scary injury during spring ball in 2009 that some thought would end his football career.  I can’t remember what it was – something about stomach muscles tearing from the hip bones or something similarly gross.  He eventually recovered, entering the picture in 2010 as our sixth DB (and returning an interception for a touchdown against Indiana).  He was our third safety last year, starting a few games when STEVEHULL was injured.

What I Expect From Him:

I asked Coach Banks tonight about any “hybrid” secondary guys that he had who could fill that Tavon Wilson role – slot corner, third safety, wherever-you-need-me-coach, etc.  He mentioned PNY.  Said that he might play a lot of positions for us.

If I had to guess, I’d say that would include both slot corner when we’re in the nickel (fighting with Jack Ramsey for that role), as well as third safety who could fill in both at strong safety and free safety.  And with STEVEHULL still nursing a shoulder injury, there’s a chance PNY will start at strong safety against Western Michigan (fighting with Earnest Thomas for that role).  It’s nice to have a hybrid DB with experience.