Before becoming a star safety in college, Caleb Nix was a decorated quarterback at Central High School in Phenix City.

“I kind of thought, you know, maybe my touchdown scoring days were over,” Nix said. “Thankfully not.”

He’s thrilled to be wrong about that. Since arriving at Jacksonville State via transfer from Clemson, he’s found the end zone four times. That includes two pick-sixes, a scoop-and-score and a 75-yard punt return against Georgia Southern last week.

The score lifted the Gamecocks to a 31-27 lead with 8:16 left in the fourth quarter, after they trailed for the entire game.

“I wouldn’t trade Caleb for anybody else,” Gamecocks head coach Charles Kelly. “First of all, he’s a super young man, really smart. He’s a really good leader. He plays everything.”

In addition to returning punts and intercepting passes, he holds on kicks and runs down on kickoffs. But, he’s used to being around all aspects of football. His grandfather

I was a ball boy, equipment manager, all of that from my, you know, as soon as I could, you know, walk to all the way till I started playing in middle school.

His rich heritage in football is part of his story, His grandfather, Conrad, had a legendary high school coaching career. His dad, Patrick, starred at Auburn and now coaches Central-Phenix City. Two of his brothers, Tez Johnson and Bo Nix, play in the NFL. Now, Caleb is forming his own legacy as one of the top safeties in college football.

“They’ve done their own stories and it’s been cool to kind of write my own,” he said. “Obviously I’m full supportive of everything they do, but it’s been really cool to kind of get the chance myself and have the opportunity for me to kind of do it and make a name for myself and just have a lot of fun while playing.”

Playing safety has even given him the chances to do things Bo has never done.

“He was saying he’s kind of jealous, you know, he’s never got to return punts or or score on defense,” Nix said. “I also don’t know what it feels like to play quarterback in the NFL. So, you know, we both have cool stories and unique journeys, but he’s been full supportive of everything I’ve done.”

The Gamecocks open up Conference USA play against Middle Tennessee this Saturday.