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NEW MEXICO: An athletic defender who played a big role on defense in 2013 and could be a bigger factor in 2014 … will compete for a starting job at outside linebacker in 2014 … looking to put on a bit of weight but keep his quickness to the football … fully recovered from a fractured right ankle that he suffered in the final week of spring practice in 2012 … had been listed atop the depth chart in the spring before the injury, and he was unable to participate in summer conditioning … still was able to contribute significantly on defense and special teams in 2012 … has added 12 pounds since the 2012 season … his speed and athletic ability are assets to the program … a proven winner with strong leadership skills.
2013 (JUNIOR): Participated in 10 games with one start … finished the season with 18 tackles, one tackle for loss, one quarterback hurry and one pass breakup … had the best game of his career against New Mexico State, in which he finished with six tackles and intercepted Aggies quarterback Andew McDonald in the first quarter, returning the ball to the NMSU 11 where Kasey Carrier scored one play later on a run.
2012 (SOPHOMORE): Played in 11 games (missed two with an injury) … finished with 11 tackles, including seven solo tackles … best game came against UNLV on Nov. 3 when he contributed four tackles (one solo, three assisted) and intercepted a pass, returning it 19 yards … also had two unassisted tackles at Hawai’i on Oct. 13.
2011 (TRUE FRESHMAN): Played in all 12 games, all on special teams…finished with five tackles on the year…had two tackles in the season finale against No. 8 Boise State…also earned UNM’s Most Valuable Defensive Scout, as voted by his teammates.
HIGH SCHOOL: 2A First Team All-State as a junior and senior…all-conference and all-county performer as a senior…three-year starter at Robinson High School for coach Mike DePue…had 5.5 sacks in one game as a junior…physical player who has the ability to make an immediate impact at linebacker…named the Robinson Defensive Player of the Year in 2010…cousin of former NFL player Keith Newman…tremendous special teams player and moves well side-to-side…comes from one of the top high schools in the Tampa, Fla., area…tall and rangy player…chose New Mexico over Minnesota, Colorado State, Eastern Michigan and Washington State…finished with 63 tackles and eight sacks as a senior…also forced three fumbles and had a recovery.
PERSONAL: Born July 14, 1992…son of Arlene and Mickeal Newman.