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PROVO - At a certain time every week in the fall the past two years, David Nixon's mind would stray slightly from the task at hand.

Football would sneak into his thoughts as Nixon served as an LDS Church missionary in Ecuador. Two years ago, after playing in all 12 games as a Brigham Young freshman linebacker, Nixon put football on hold.

He's back, ready to smack somebody during BYU's first game Saturday against Arizona. Regardless of how great his mission was, Nixon's a football player again.

"It's an awesome feeling to be back on the field playing football," Nixon said. "I missed it during those two years. It feels great to run around and play some football."

One of 10 children of Clair and Laura Nixon, he had no trouble staying abreast of BYU football in South America. Several of his brothers communicated game results during weekly correspondences.

His grandfather would even provide a play-by-play.

"I was away, but at the same time, I got the insight on everything," Nixon said. "I figured out the time difference and every Saturday when I was walking those streets, knocking on doors, I would always know the Cougars were playing."

Returning home Dec. 22, Nixon regained his form relatively quickly. He slowly worked up the depth chart in spring ball and then nailed down a starting position this month. Just the thought of putting on the uniform is enough to make him smile.

"You miss working out," he said. "You miss having that feeling of being a part of the team and you miss playing. What it all boils down to is I missed the game. Obviously, I was focused on my mission 100 percent, but at the same time, I missed the sport.

"When you're in it, you don't realize what you have. When you're away from it, that's when you really realize what you're missing out on."

Starting two games, Nixon was a surprise in 2003 out of College Station, Texas. The third cousin to former President Nixon recorded 57 tackles, tied for fourth on the team.

Come Saturday, he will feel like a kid again.

"The other day, when we started talking about Arizona, those butterflies started to run," Nixon said. "I'm excited to play in the game. It's been two years."

- Patrick Kinahan