Jer’Zhan Newton’s journey to becoming one of college football’s top defensive players is a story of perseverance and hard work
From his humble beginnings as a backup player to his current status as a defensive standout, Newton has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with on the football field.
As he enters his senior year, Newton will undoubtedly continue to impress with his skills and leadership, solidifying his legacy as one of the best in the game.
Jer’Zhan Newton’s performance in both run defense and pass-rushing at the NFL Combine showcases his potential as a formidable defensive force at the professional level.
With continued development and refinement of his skills, Newton could become a dominant presence on the field for years to come.
Jer’Zhan Newton’s versatility, combined with his unique playing style and potential, make him a standout prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. Keep an eye out for Newton as he looks to make his mark in the NFL.
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Table of Contents
Jer’Zhan Newton’s Journey to Defensive Dominance
- Jer’Zhan Newton, a rising star in college football, made a significant impact on the field since his enrollment in 2020.1
- Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 295 pounds, Newton started his journey just outside the top-1000 overall recruits of 2020.
- He began his college career seeing some action as a backup in his first year but quickly emerged as a key player in the starting lineup by his sophomore year.
- In his sophomore season, Newton showcased his potential by accumulating impressive statistics. He recorded 61 tackles, with 14 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, three passes batted down, and two fumbles recovered.
- These outstanding performances earned him recognition as a first-team All-Big Ten player and a second-team All-American.
- Newton’s dedication and hard work paid off even more in his junior season.
- Despite a slight drop in his numbers, with 52 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, sacks, two passes defended, a fumble forced, and a fumble recovered, Newton was named first-team All-American and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
- His consistent performance and leadership on the field have solidified his reputation as one of the best defensive players in college football.
Jer’Zhan Newton: A Defensive Force
Newton’s rise to prominence can be attributed to his exceptional skills and work ethic. His 6-foot-2, 295-pound frame provides him with the physical presence needed to dominate on the defensive side of the ball.
Newton’s ability to read the game and anticipate plays has made him a formidable force against opposing offenses.
Key Statistics and Achievements
Throughout his college career, Newton has amassed impressive statistics. In addition to his tackle and sack numbers, Newton has shown his versatility by recording passes defended and fumbles forced and recovered.
These achievements have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his numerous accolades, including first-team All-American and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Looking Ahead
As Newton enters his senior year, all eyes will be on him to see if he can maintain his high level of performance.
With his skills, determination, and track record of success, there’s no doubt that Newton will continue to be a dominant force on the football field.
His journey from a relatively unknown recruit to a defensive star is a testament to his talent and dedication, and his future in football looks bright.
Jer’Zhan Newton: Scouting Report Breaking Down
NFL Combine Run Defense Mastery
- Jer’Zhan Newton has exhibited a remarkable improvement in his run defense skills from his freshman season, where he played 611 snaps, to his second year.2
- His performance surged from a 57.7 Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade to an outstanding 91.0. This transformation placed him behind only Jalen Carter and Calijah Kancey in 2022, making him the most valuable Power Five interior defensive lineman according to PFF’s “wins above average” metric.
- Newton is likened to a “bowling ball of butcher knives,” constantly disrupting plays in the offensive backfield.
- His effectiveness in slicing through lanes in the zone run game has been exceptional, shutting down the front-side consistently.
- He demonstrates a keen ability to anticipate and disrupt plays, evident in his skill at identifying back-door plays and redirecting running backs.
- Even when unable to reach the play-side shoulder of linemen from behind, Newton employs force under their armpits to control them and remain prepared for potential cut-backs by the ball-carrier.
- His situational awareness is evident when he recognizes being pinned down but manages to go over the top to funnel the ball-carrier back inside. Newton also displays strength and skill in pulling blockers off himself to be in the gap when the ball arrives.
Dominance in Pass-Rushing
- Newton’s pass-rushing capabilities are highlighted by his ability to burst through the gap and angle towards the quarterback as a three-technique.
- This makes him a formidable challenge for college guards to handle, as seen in his two big sacks against Wisconsin in 2023 (one negated by a penalty).
- He utilizes a quick two-handed downward swipe combined with a rip-through move to evade blockers and reach the quarterback.
- This move, often paired with a stutter step, allows him to beat guards off the line cleanly. Newton’s fluid club-swim combination enables him to step past the hip of guards and direct his rush towards the passer, even under pressure from recovering blockers.
- Newton shows agility and quick decision-making when guards overset on him, quickly crossing their face to maintain pressure.
- He actively seeks secondary wins, whether by batting down passes or cutting off angles for the quarterback. His ability to read the game is evident in his actions, such as pulling linemen aside when recognizing play-action or offensive players leaning into him.
Addressing Weaknesses
Newton’s stature as one of the shorter NFL interior defensive linemen, with a 76-inch wingspan placing him in the sixth percentile, leaves him with less margin for error.
To improve, he could benefit from utilizing his hands more effectively to control the line of scrimmage early on against down-blocks, while also improving his awareness of angular blockers to avoid being washed down the line.
Additionally, Newton has room to enhance his precision and effectiveness in chopping/swatting down the near-hand of pass-protectors. He could also be more proactive with his counters, further developing his skills in pass-rushing scenarios.
Jer’Zhan Newton: 2024 NFL Draft Prospect
A Versatile Defensive Force
Jer’Zhan Newton, though somewhat overlooked, stands out as a top prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft.3
While Olu Fashanu has garnered significant attention, Newton’s skills and potential make him a standout player in his own right.
Calijah Kancey Comparison
Comparing Newton to Calijah Kancey, who was a top-20 pick for the Buccaneers last year, Newton may not have the same explosive start off the ball.
However, Newton’s all-around skills make him a more well-rounded player. Despite some concerns about his length, Newton shows promise in his ability to stack-and-shed blockers.
He will need to improve his reactions to pressure points and his ability to set the tone with his hands, especially if he is to play a more regular role in this capacity for his future team.
Versatility and Playing Style
Newton’s potential shines through in his projection into a traditional three-technique role for an even front team.
His versatility is a key asset, particularly in defined dropback situations.
What sets Newton apart from many other disruption-style players in his position is his ability to connect his hand combat with his hips, enabling him to step through and create a path towards the ball. This unique skill set makes Newton a top-15 player in this draft class.
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FAQ’s
Who is Jer’Zhan Newton?
Jer’Zhan Newton is a talented young basketball player known for his exceptional skills on the court. He has gained recognition for his impressive performances and is considered one of the rising stars in the sport.
What position does Jer’Zhan Newton play?
Jer’Zhan Newton primarily plays as a shooting guard. His ability to score from long range and drive to the basket makes him a versatile player on the court.
Where did Jer’Zhan Newton grow up?
Jer’Zhan Newton grew up in a basketball-loving family in the United States. He honed his skills on the courts of his hometown, developing a passion for the game from a young age.
What teams has Jer’Zhan Newton played for?
Jer’Zhan Newton has played for several teams throughout his career, showcasing his talents and making a name for himself in the basketball world. He has represented his teams with skill and dedication, earning him a strong fan base.
What are Jer’Zhan Newton’s future aspirations in basketball?
Jer’Zhan Newton has big aspirations for his future in basketball. He hopes to continue improving his game and eventually play at the highest level, competing against the best players in the world.
His dedication and talent make this goal achievable, and fans eagerly anticipate his future accomplishments.
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