A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Nix attended William M. Raines High School, where he played football, basketball and competed in track & field.

He recorded 50 tackles and 10 sacks as senior in 2009, and was named an all-First Coast pick as defensive lineman by the Florida Times-Union of Jacksonville.

After not playing as a freshman in 2010, Nix started 11 games as a sophomore in 2011, recording 45 tackles.

In 2012, Nix started 11 out of 13 games, recording 50 tackles, including seven and a half for a loss, and two sacks.

On December 17, 2012, Nix announced that he would resume his college tenure for his senior season.

On November 21, 2013, after having arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee, it was announced that he would miss the remainder of the season plus the bowl game.

On December 6, 2013, Nix signed with agents Todd France and Brian Ayrault.

[9] Nix underwent a second knee surgery during the off-season and missed workouts as well as most of training camp.

"[22][23] On December 8, 2020, Nix was shot during an armed robbery at a Jacksonville gas station while he was putting air in his car tires.