Oregon

How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft

Published

1 week ago

April 25, 2024

How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft

Bo Nix can see his rollercoaster college career end on a high during the 2024 NFL Draft.

Nix, a former five-star quarterback, has seen starting time in each of his five college seasons, starting at Auburn — where his father Patrick Nix was a legend — and ending with a season that earned him a nod as a Heisman Trophy finalist at Oregon. Now the talented slinger could hear his name heard as soon as the first round, in a deep quarterback class.

REQUIRED READING: Where Oregon football’s Bo Nix, Troy Franklin are projected to be picked in 2024 NFL draft

Nix is a name college football fans know well, as he has played in the NCAA for six seasons. He was named the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 after throwing for 4,508 yards with 45 touchdowns and adding 234 yards and six touchdowns rushing.

In a mock draft on April 16, NFL.com’s Peter Schrager had Nix going No. 23 overall to the Minnesota Vikings. Schrager had Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and J.J. McCarthy as the top four picks in the draft, making Nix the fifth quarterback off the board in the first round — ahead of former Pac-12 rival Michael Penix Jr.

Here’s what you need to know about Nix, including his age, who his father is, his high school career, recruitment and why he transferred to Oregon.

Bo Nix age

If Nix is selected in the first round, he will become the second-oldest QB taken in the first round since Brandon Weeden went 22nd overall to the Cleveland Browns in the 2012 NFL Draft. Weeden was 28 years, 6 months and 13 day old when he was selected; Nix, whose birthday was on Feb. 25, will be 24 years, 2 months, and a day old.

Curiously, Penix has the chance to be the second-oldest quarterback drafted in the first round of the NFL draft since Weeden: He will be 23 years, 11 months and 18 days old on Thursday.

The Washington quarterback was a part of the 2018 recruiting class that had current NFL players in Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields. He played seven total years of college football, gaining an extra year for COVID-19 and another due to injuries. Nix was in the 2019 recruiting class and started his career at Auburn before transferring to Oregon.

Here’s a list of the oldest QBs selected in the first round since 2010:

Why did Bo Nix transfer to Oregon?

Nix had a decent career with Auburn, throwing for 7,251 yards with 39 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in three seasons, completing 59% of his passes. However, his 2021 season ended early following an ankle injury, which cost him the final two games.

The three-year starter grew up as an Auburn fan, with his father playing quarterback for the Tigers from 1992-95. But Nix felt tremendous pressure to follow in his father’s footsteps and a disconnect with then-head coach Bryan Harsin. Nix himself characterized himself as “miserable.”

“Last year, I was just kind of over it. Each week it was something else,” he said, via CBS Sports. “There was, quite frankly, nothing I could do about it. I just remember kind of being miserable. It wasn’t fun anymore.”

When Nix entered the transfer portal in December 2021, Oregon became a viable option, as offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham was his offensive coordinator during his freshman season in 2019.

Bo Nix high school

Nix attended his first two seasons of high school at Scottsboro High in Scottsboro, Alabama. He transferred to Pinson Valley High School in Pinson, Alabama, when his father, Patrick Nix, took the job there.

Nix threw for 2,872 yards and 35 touchdowns despite missing four games during his senior season. He led Pinson Valley to the Class 6A state championship, and completed 31 of 39 passes for seven touchdowns in the state semifinal. He completed 13 of 25 passes for 223 yards and three total touchdowns in the championship.

Over his high school career, he amassed 10,393 passing yards, 127 passing touchdowns, 2,112 rushing yards and 34 rushing touchdowns. Nix earned the 2018-19 Alabama Football Gatorade Player of the Year.

Who is Bo Nix’s father?

Bo Nix’s father, Patrick, was also his high school football coach. Before that, he was a standout at Etowah High School in Attalla, Alabama. Nix went on to play at Auburn, where he played 32 games and scored 40 touchdowns and generated 5,081 yards in total offense.

Following his playing career, Patrick Nix spent a stint as an assistant coach at Jacksonville State before becoming the head coach at Henderson State from 1999-2000. He later held roles at Samford, Georgia Tech, Miami and Charleston Southern. He then coached high school in Alabama at Scottsboro High and Pinson Valley High and is now the coach at Phenix City Central High. Patrick coached Bo Nix at both Scottsboro and Pinson Valley.

Bo Nix recruiting ranking

Nix was the No. 33 overall recruit in the 2019 class, ranking as the top-dual threat QB in the class and the No. 3-ranked prospect in the state of Alabama behind Georgia signees receiver George Pickens (now on the Pittsburgh Steelers) and center Clay Webb. Nix received a five-star rating by 247Sports Composite rankings.

He picked the Tigers over offers from Alabama, Ohio State, Florida State, Clemson, and Georgia, allowing him to follow in his father’s footsteps in attending Auburn. His commitment was the first for the Tigers for the state’s top quarterback prospect since five-star Jeremy Johnson signed in the 2013 class out of G.W. Carver High School in Montgomery.

Bo Nix combine results, measurables

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 214 pounds
Hand size: 10 1/8 inches
Arm span: 31 7/8 inches
40-yard dash: Did not attempt
Vertical jump: Did not attempt
Broad jump: Did not attempt
3-cone drill: Did not attempt
Shuttle run: Did not attempt

Bo Nix stats

Here is a year-by-year look at Nix’s stats at Auburn and with Oregon.

Career: 1,286-for-1,936 (66.4%) passing, 15,352 career passing yards, 113 career passing touchdowns, 26 career interceptions, 149.6 career passer rating; 1,613 career rushing yards and 38 career rushing touchdowns
2019: 217-for-377 (57.6%) passing, 2,542 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 125.0 passer rating; 313 rushing yards and 7 rushing touchdowns
2020: 214-for-357 (59.9%) passing, 2,415 passing yards, 12 passing touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 123.9 passer rating; 388 rushing yards and 7 rushing touchdowns
2021: 197-for-223 (61.0%) passing, 2,294 passing yards, 11 passing touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 130.0 passer rating; 168 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns
2022: 294-for-409 (71.9%) passing, 3,593 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 165.7 passer rating; 510 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns
2023: 364-for-470 (77.4%) passing, 4,508 passing yards, 45 passing touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 188.3 passer rating; 234 rushing yards and 6 rushing touchdowns

Bo Nix scouting report

NFL.com gives Nix a 6.39 prospect grade, which means he will eventually become an average starter. Draft analyst Lance Zierlein gives him an NFL comparable to former Dallas Cowboys quarterback turned CBS broadcaster Tony Romo. Here’s what NFL.com says about his scouting report:

“Rare five-year starting quarterback whose play has matured in front of our eyes. Nix displays the accuracy, arm talent and athleticism consistent with today’s brand of pro quarterback. He can be punctual in getting the ball out at the top of his drop or he can work through progressions and beat defenses with second-reaction plays. He throws with good velocity and puts the ball on the money when throwing on the move. Nix has shown great improvement with his pocket poise. He’s capable of moving the sticks as a scrambler or as part of the running game. Some of his gaudy production has been driven by the Oregon offense’s design, but his talent clearly stands out. I’ve harbored bias from watching the overwhelmed version of Nix during his Auburn days, but as the saying goes, ‘tape don’t lie.’ Nix appears more than ready to attack the league with an NFL-caliber skill set.”

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Oregon

Ohio State Buckeyes or Oregon Ducks?

Published

4 hours ago

May 4, 2024

Press Room

The Big Ten Conference is loaded with excellent running backs with a chance to electrify in the 2024 football season. Talent in this conference includes a dynamic duo, new faces and breakout stars. Ranking the top-three running back rooms:

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

It’s no secret that Ohio State does a great job bringing in some of the best talent in the nation and the running back position is no exception. Heading into 2024, the Buckeyes have arguably the best two-headed running back monster in college football with senior TreVeyon Henderson and Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins.

Henderson has had some difficulty staying on the field over the course of his career but he’s absolutely not lacking talent. In his lone healthy season as a freshman in 2021, Henderson racked up 1,248 rushing yards on a remarkable 6.8 yards per carry.

Ohio State TreVeyon Henderson, Oregon Ducks Jordan James

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Quinshon Judkins is the flashy new piece in the backfield as he brings his talents over from Ole Miss where he averaged 1,363 rushing yards on almost exactly five yards per carry in two seasons for the Rebels. More of a power runner, Judkins brings the thunder to Henderson’s lightning and rounds out what should be widely considered the best running back group in the Big Ten, if not the country.

2. Oregon Ducks

Depth is the name of the game for Oregon’s running back group this season. Spearheaded by junior Jordan James, the backfield features several different types of runners.

James is the most explosive of the group, averaging an astounding 7.1 yards per carry for the Ducks in 2023. Behind him is powerhouse senior Noah Whittington who comes into 2024 off a leg injury that cost him most of last season after starting red-hot with 7.3 yards per carry through Oregon’s first four games.

Behind these two is Jay Harris, a Division Two transfer from Northwest Missouri State who has garnered rave reviews from coaches and media alike in his first spring in Eugene.

3. Penn State Nittany Lions

Some would be tempted to place Michigan’s backfield in the No. 3spot but that mostly factors in last season. After the Wolverines lost star Blake Corum to the NFL Draft, Penn State returns the next-most impressive group in the realigned Big Ten with Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen.

Singleton and Allen split carries last season for the Nittany Lions and both will be back after impressive 2023 seasons. Allen accrued 902 rushing yards in 13 games last year while Singleton contributed 752 of his own. With another year to develop, these two figure to headline one of the fiercest backfields in the Big Ten.

The Big Ten is known for its physical play and although there are other good backfields in the conference, these three should be among the most dangerous heading into 2024.

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Oregon

Two finalists picked for next director of Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Published

11 hours ago

May 4, 2024

Press Room

Two finalists picked for next director of Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Two finalists have been picked to become the next director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Debbie Colbert and Kaitlin Lovell were selected from a pool of 30 candidates to lead an agency with more than 1,000 employees and the often polarizing task of managing the state’s fauna.

Colbert is current ODFW deputy director for fish and wildlife programs while Lovell works for the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services on stream restoration. They were chosen by a subcommittee that included two members of the Fish and Wildlife Commission and two representatives of Gov. Tina Kotek’s office.

The candidates will have a public question and answer session Friday before the full commission meeting at ODFW headquarters in Salem. Afterward, the commission may pick the new director. The meeting is open to the public and will be streamed live at: www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/commission/

An online form remains available until 5 p.m. on Tuesday to submit questions for the candidates during the public question and answer.

The job is one of Oregon’s more challenging, often putting the agency in the middle of the state’s urban-rural divide over issues such as wolf and cougar management, hatchery versus wild fish, and the cost for fishing and hunting licenses, among many other issues.

Other candidates considered were Shannon Hurn, ODFW deputy director for administration, and Jason Miner, former natural resources policy advisor for former Gov. Kate Brown.

Debbie Colbert

Colbert has worked for two decades on natural resources issues, according to the biography provided by the hiring committee.

Since 2021, Colbert has served as ODFW’s deputy director for fish and wildlife programs, overseeing fish, wildlife, habitat, and regional programs statewide as well as legislative engagement.

“In this leadership role, she has been thrilled to collaborate with ODFW’s many talented staff, hunters, anglers, tribal leaders and staff, volunteers, landowners, state and federal agency staff, elected officials, and statewide advocacy groups,” the biography said.

In 2023, Colbert served three months on special assignment to the governor’s natural resource office.

Previously, Colbert served six years as the board of trustees administrator at Oregon State University. Before that, she worked for five years as ODFW’s deputy director for administration.

Colbert earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and has a master’s in oceanography and a doctorate in interdisciplinary oceanography. She was selected as a 2022 National Conservation Leadership Fellow.

“Debbie is passionate about working with diverse groups to advance Oregon’s fish, wildlife, and habitat,” the biography said.

Kaitlin Lovell

Lovell has led the City of Portland’s efforts to protect and restore fish and wildlife and their habitats since 2007, the provided biography said.

“Lovell has strategically transformed degraded waterways, resolved competing land uses, protected fish and wildlife against acute climate impacts, and centered frontline communities, especially Indigenous communities, in fish and wildlife management,” the biography said.

Prior to working for Portland, Lovell worked as an attorney for Trout Unlimited on salmon recovery, hydropower and hatchery issues throughout Oregon and the West Coast.

“A lifelong resident of rural places, including 22 years on her Colton area farm with her husband and son, she knows firsthand the challenges and rewards of living with wildlife, adapting to climate change, and the critical role of working lands in habitat protection and restoration,” the biography said.

Lovell is a graduate of Bucknell University’s environmental science program and Cornell Law School, with legal expertise in the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act.

Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 16 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. Urness is the author of “Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon” and “Hiking Southern Oregon.” He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. Find him on X at @ZachsORoutdoors.

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Oregon

South Central Oregon Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains and Southern Oregon Cascades under a winter weather advisory Saturday – up to 7 inches of snow

Published

17 hours ago

May 4, 2024

Press Room

South Central Oregon Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains and Southern Oregon Cascades under a winter weather advisory Saturday – up to 7 inches of snow

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory at 7:59 p.m. on Friday valid for Saturday between 2 a.m. and 11 p.m. for South Central Oregon Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains and Southern Oregon Cascades.

The weather service describes, “Snow expected above 4000 feet. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 7 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.”

“Plan on slippery road conditions,” adds the weather service.

Winter weather driving safety: Navigating the chill with expert tips from the weather service

Winter weather can make driving treacherous, leading to over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and over 480,000 injuries each year. When traveling during snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down. In near-freezing temperatures, it’s safest to assume that icy conditions exist on roadways and adjust your driving accordingly. Be cautious of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards. If possible, avoid driving in such conditions. If you must venture out, opt for routes with fewer trees and power lines. Never touch a downed power line, and immediately dial 911 if you come across one. Here are additional winter driving tips from the weather service:

1. Share your travel plans:

When traveling out of town in hazardous winter weather, inform your family or friends of your destination, planned route, and estimated time of arrival.

2. Prepare your vehicle:

Ensure your gas tank is full and equip your vehicle with essential winter supplies such as a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, extra warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food.

3. Stay calm when stranded:

If you become stranded, remain composed. Inform someone about your situation and location. Avoid attempting to walk to safety. Indicate that you need assistance by attaching a cloth to your car’s antenna or mirror, and make your vehicle more visible by using the dome light and flashers

4. Be aware of snow plows:

Keep an eye out for snow plows and provide them with ample room to pass. Only overtake a plow when you have a clear view of the road ahead.

5. Check road conditions:

Before embarking on your journey, verify the current road conditions to make informed travel decisions.

These winter driving tips from the weather service are your key to a safer journey on snow-covered roads. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure your well-being during challenging winter weather.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

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