Mike Nixon was a do-everything Sun Devil linebacker with game-changing instincts
Mike Nixon was Arizona State’s kind of linebacker who made offenses miserable in the 2009 season: he led the Sun Devils in tackles for the second straight year with 73 and tied for the team lead with three interceptions, showing rare playmaking range for the position.[12] In his ASU career, he piled up 253 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 16 pass breakups and eight interceptions, a stat line that screams versatility and high football IQ.[1][12] The best fit for him was a defense that values instincts, coverage chops and all-around toughness—plus he brought academic award-level discipline to match the production.[1][12]
