Hixson is 9th Charger invited to NFL camp in last 4 years
April 29, 2012 - Nick Hixson, one of the most
versatile players in recent Hillsdale College football history, has
received an invitation to try out for the NFL's Washington Redskins this
Thursday as a wide receiver. He has not signed a contract, as of Sunday
evening. 
Hixson said he also has an invitation from the New Orleans Saints, but as a cornerback.
Hixson excelled in both roles for the 2011 GLIAC champion Charger football team. He was a three-year starter at defensive back, but also played as the team's primary kick returner, and as a senior, was a wide receiver for Hillsdale as well.
Hixson was a 2011 First-Team All-GLIAC selection in leading Hillsdale to an 8-3 record and its second straight South Division title.
On offense, Hixson was a go-to receiver on third down for the Chargers. He caught 25 passes for 389 yards and two touchdowns. More than half of his catches came on third down, and led directly to first downs.
As a kick returner, Hixson averaged 22.3 yards per kick return, and had a season-long 52-yard kickoff return against Ashland University Sept. 17. In three seasons as a kickoff returner, Hixson piled up 1,635 kick return yards.
But his primary role was at cornerback, and he improved in each of his seasons as a starter for the Chargers. In 2011, Hixson had two interceptions and broke up a team-high nine passes. His speed, height and smarts made him one of the most feared cornerbacks in the conference during his career.
Hixson was named honorable mention All-American by Don Hansen's Football Gazette following the 2011 season.
Hillsdale College's football program has now produced nine players who have been invited to NFL rookie camps since the spring of 2008. Hixson joins a list that includes: QB Mark Nicolet, LB Tom Korte, OL Jared Veldheer, PK Mark Petro, DE Drew Berube, WR A.J. Kegg, QB Troy Weatherhead and WR Andre Holmes.
Hixson said he also has an invitation from the New Orleans Saints, but as a cornerback.
Hixson excelled in both roles for the 2011 GLIAC champion Charger football team. He was a three-year starter at defensive back, but also played as the team's primary kick returner, and as a senior, was a wide receiver for Hillsdale as well.
Hixson was a 2011 First-Team All-GLIAC selection in leading Hillsdale to an 8-3 record and its second straight South Division title.
On offense, Hixson was a go-to receiver on third down for the Chargers. He caught 25 passes for 389 yards and two touchdowns. More than half of his catches came on third down, and led directly to first downs.
As a kick returner, Hixson averaged 22.3 yards per kick return, and had a season-long 52-yard kickoff return against Ashland University Sept. 17. In three seasons as a kickoff returner, Hixson piled up 1,635 kick return yards.
But his primary role was at cornerback, and he improved in each of his seasons as a starter for the Chargers. In 2011, Hixson had two interceptions and broke up a team-high nine passes. His speed, height and smarts made him one of the most feared cornerbacks in the conference during his career.
Hixson was named honorable mention All-American by Don Hansen's Football Gazette following the 2011 season.
Hillsdale College's football program has now produced nine players who have been invited to NFL rookie camps since the spring of 2008. Hixson joins a list that includes: QB Mark Nicolet, LB Tom Korte, OL Jared Veldheer, PK Mark Petro, DE Drew Berube, WR A.J. Kegg, QB Troy Weatherhead and WR Andre Holmes.
