The biggest prize of the 2017 recruiting class for the Colorado Buffaloes (3-3, 0-3) was landing high school teammates, now freshmen wide receivers Laviska Shenault Jr. and K.D. Nixon from Desoto, Texas. Both have already played a decent amount for an experience-laden offense and both have been big contributors on special teams.
K.D. Nixon was highly recruited across the country and had received offers from the likes of Oklahoma State, Baylor, Texas Tech, Louisville, Arizona State, Duke, Houston, California, Missouri and Oregon State. Nixon committed to play for Butch Jones and the Tennessee Volunteers in April of last year but in June reopened his recruitment. It was then that the Buffaloes made a big play to get Nixon in the black and gold.
He was selected to play on the U.S. Under-19 National Team against Canada on January 28th, 2017 in the North American Championship at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. Nixon and Shenault helped lead their DeSoto High School football team to a 16-0 record and the Class 6A Division II state title, its first in school history. DeSoto finished the season as the 2nd best in the country by MaxPreps’ national rankings.
Standing 5’8”, 190lbs, Nixon is a dynamic, speedster who the Buffs have big plans for as he matures. He has already earned the starting kick return role along with redshirt-freshman cornerback Ronnie Blackmon. K.D. had his first career catch and rush (both gained five yards) in week two of the season against Texas State. He also returned the first kickoff of his career against No. 7 Washington; he totaled 77 yards on three returns in that game with a long of 33.
Nixon’s current role is primarily on special teams. However, the departure of senior wide receivers Bryce Bobo, Shay Fields and Devin Ross following the 2017 season will open many opportunities for him to see the field on offense in 2018. He has shown quick burst, a savvy for the game and determination that lead many to believe, he’s got next.
