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Newton’s Work Ethic Drives Him to Success

Derick Newton has a lot of experience paving his way to becoming a great player. Playing since he was 7 years old, he knows how to put in the work and time to be recognized for his talents.

Newton is in his senior year at Coffee High School in Douglas, Georgia. He has played defense and tight end on the varsity team since sophomore year and has honed his technique to become one of the top picks for college scouts.

Newton’s strategy to playing a great game and staying on top is centered on putting in as much work as possible, whether it be at the Friday night games or practice after school.

“After practice, I always run extra,” he said. “And then in the game, I just take my time and do my detail and focus on playing well.”

Newton’s work ethic is what sets him out from the rest. From being overlooked in earlier years to now having national recognition took time and work, but he knows how he got here.

“My effort,” he said. “I give maximum effort. That’s one thing that sets me apart, my drive. That’s something that every coach always comes to me to tell me about my work ethic. Everything I do I give 100 percent because when I do something I want to be the best.”

Newton said that some of the most important figures in his football career are coaches Robby Pruitt and Milan Turner.

“He’s a heck of a player; he’s got a high motor,” Pruitt said. “He’s ones of those kids who plays hard all the time, and you can tell that as a young kid.”

Coaches influence young athletes, but when asked what inspires him on and off the field, Newton was quick to say family.

“I like to lift weights,” he said. “But besides weights I have my grandmother. She’s the reason why I do what I do because it makes her happy. My mother, we get to do a lot together. I just want her to see me go to college and make her proud.”

Coming in at 6’2’’ and 270 pounds, Newton has a small disadvantage with his height for college prospects, but he makes up for it with other qualities.

“He plays hard, and that’s what they look for,” Pruitt said. “He’s got a high upside: Even though he’s not as tall, he’s got long arms and extremely big hands, and he’s got good take off and a really good first step.”

Newton’s top three colleges are Kansas State, Georgia Tech, and Miami. He wants to pick the one that has the best offer for him athletically and academically. He wants to look into a sports education major so that he can study to become a coach one day.

“Football is what I love,” Newton said. “I want to become a coach because I love being around the sport so much.”

For whichever college Newton decides to attend next fall, they will receive a valuable player, one who doesn’t hesitate to put in the maximum effort required to be a top player.

“I think he is going to be a great college player,” Pruitt said. “It’s because of his motor. He’s got a lot of things that you can’t coach, and he’s extremely intelligent. He’ll do well in school. He’s a smart kid, and he can do what he wants academically.”


South Georgia/ October-November 2017/ Derick Newton Profile

Alex Dunn

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