Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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Nix, who underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee Nov. 21, concluded the season with 27 tackles (two for loss) in eight games played. photo by bill panzica Weis had just been fired, and Kelly had yet to be appointed to the position. For a young man who knew what he wanted, it all worked out. "I think when you come on campus and breathe the air of Notre Dame, it has a tendency to help you," Kelly said. "Just being on this campus, being around the students, being around the faculty, being around the staff, you're in an incredible environment of successful people. Success breeds success. He's around other football players and student-athletes that are like-minded. "And let's not forget Louis's goals. … Louis chose Notre Dame because he wanted more. He wanted that degree from Notre Dame. He could have gone anywhere. … And he's going to have one. When you cut right to it, it worked because Louis Nix wanted it to work. I think it's a great story." According to Nix, his life didn't always look like it would work. He admits he witnessed a fair amount of tragedy, crime and peers content with just getting by back home. His decision to sign with Notre Dame signaled that he wanted something more from his life, and he credits the figures he has encountered along the way with his success. "I wasn't this wholesome guy you see right now my whole life, but when I got to Notre Dame that all changed," Nix said. "I've met people, I've gotten along with people, I make people