WASHINGTON — Because of his deployment to Afghanistan, Command Sgt. Major Kenneth Nixon hadn’t seen his son play high school football all year until last weekend.

Next year, he might be able to watch him live from anywhere in the world.

Xavier Nixon, one of the top high school offensive lineman in America, announced at Saturday’s Army All-American Bowl that he will attend the University of Florida this fall. The decision came after months of recruiting from top programs, and was made public just days after his father returned on leave from his deployment.

The 18-year-old’s news conference was one of eight player announcements made during the annual all-star game, but his took special significance at the Army-sponsored event.

Both of Nixon’s parents are active-duty soldiers; his mother, Master Sgt. Fotini Nixon, is an administrative non-commissioned officer at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, and spent a year in Iraq on a previous assignment. Kenneth is on his fifth deployment since 2002.

"We would have loved to have been there for every game, but we volunteered to serve and have a duty," Kenneth said. "This past year I’ve talked to them on almost a daily basis, to hear about the college visits and practices and everything else."

Nixon’s coaches at Jack Britt High School in North Carolina have also been sending game tapes overseas after every weekend, giving the proud father a belated chance to see the 6-foot-6, 285-pound tackle in action.

"I’ve watched every one two or three times," he said, laughing. "And then after I’m grabbing everybody in the unit to come watch. They all know about my son."

Fotini admitted that the separation has been tough for the family, although she’s happy to be the one traveling around the country to hear coaches rave about her son’s athletic skill.

"I’m making up for lost time with him, when I was stationed in Iraq and Korea years ago," she said. "We’re just blessed that he has this opportunity now."

For his part, Xavier said he has never thought his parents’ work as anything unusual, even with the overseas tours.

"I respect everything they’re doing, and it’s helped me stay focused and keep my priorities straight," he said. "They’ve always taught me family first, then school, then comes sports."

Of course, usually all three come together. Fotini attends every game and helps with schoolwork in between practices. Kenneth said he played football casually when he was younger, and still pushes his son in the weight room when he’s home.

"I told him when I left last year that I’d be lifting 300 pounds when I got back, so he better be ready," he said. "When I got home last week, Xavier was already lifting 325.

"I’m only at 260. But I’ve still got a few months left to catch up."

Kenneth’s deployment ends in April. Meanwhile, Xavier has his senior year basketball season to finish before thinking about helping the Gators on another national championship run. And Fotini is still working to make sure all three don’t lose focus on their jobs.

"It’s all kept us extremely busy, but we still have a duty," she said. "We have our (Army) jobs, and my son’s mission is to get good greats and keep being a leader on the field."

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