Louisiana Football: Interview with 2023 Parkway All-District LB Barrett Newman
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
The Parkway Panthers finished the regular season 6-4 before making a run to the state quarterfinals to finish 2021 with an 8-5 record. One of the leaders of the Panthers was junior All-District linebacker Barrett Newman. Newman racked 93 total tackles during his junior campaign including seven for a loss.
This 6’1”, 200-pound, tackle machine plays with great intensity and physicality. He also prepares for each opponent with such precision in order to conqueror each adversary with ruthless aggression. Newman also has good field vision and strength.
This Class of 2023 prospect is already drawing college interest with a such a great season in 2021, it’s only a matter of time before he receives his first offer.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Barrett to talk about his successful junior season and get an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Barrett, what are your thoughts on your junior season?
It went good. I achieved my goals on All-District, Athlete of the Week, and I am very pleased with my stats at the end of the year.
What was your most memorable moment and why?
My one-handed interception against Airline, because it sealed the game for us.
What kind of challenges did you face during the season?
I broke my thumb Week 2 against North DeSoto and fractured my wrist against Natchitoches Central but I didn’t let that stop me from playing.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I have a mindset that if I still have two arms and two legs, I can play on Friday nights.
What are your strengths on the football field?
My strengths on the football field are playing with unmatched aggression and intensity, and also flying to the ball. I also study enough of the opponent’s film to figure out different tendencies and I know what will happen before it happens.
What area of your game did you see the most improvement in over the course of the season?
I really think my playmaking got a lot better this season. I’m starting to make big plays in big moments.
What kind of defensive scheme does Parkway run?
We run a 4-3.
How do your skills fit into this defense?
Since I am the only middle linebacker in our defense, I’m free to work and shoot gaps on my own. My speed and memorization of the other team’s schemes helps me get to the ball fast.
Is there an NFL player that you try to model your game after?
I don’t watch the NFL, but I like to watch Bumper Pool and Grant Morgan from Arkansas. I also like to watch Damone Clark from LSU.
What is your fastest 40-yard dash time?
4.7.
Have you been on any college visits?
I went on an unofficial visit to Army.
Are you receiving interest from any colleges?
I’m receiving a good amount of attention, but I believe more colleges will start to show interest especially after the season I had.
What do you like most about playing at Parkway?
The thing I like most is the brotherhood we have created among the team and coaches. I wouldn’t want to pick any other teammates to go compete with. I also love playing for our amazing South Bossier community.
Do you play any other sports in high school?
I also play baseball.
What is your GPA?
4.17.
Do you have a favorite quote or Bible verse?
Isaiah 41:10.
Thank you for your time.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Parkway LB Barrett Newman