New Position Move for San Juan Hills 2016 LB Tim Newman has not Slowed Recruiting Interest
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
Being a team player at any level of sports is not always for the betterment of the player directly involved. Being a team player typically signals a selfless act by a given teammate truly living up to the old cliché “there is no I in team.”
When the 2015 season began, San Juan Hills senior defensive end Tim Newman moved from the outside to inside linebacker switching from a position of comfort and great success to an unknown. While many may not see a big sacrifice in changing positions, the reality is a big difference in style of play and ultimately how performance on the field can dictate recruiting interest, something of outmost importance to any senior with next level dreams.
Newman posted 81 tackles during his junior campaign with 14 quarterback hurries and nine sacks. The 6’2”, 230 pound, third-year starter once again led the Stallions in tackles but this time upped his play coming up with 96 tackles along with four sacks. He even played some running back and out of necessity started a game at center for the California squad. Showing his true athleticism and ability to be a team player, he has also lined up at fullback and tight end during his high school career.
The Stallions made a vast improvement on the field in 2015 finishing the year 8-3 after a 4-7 go in 2014.
Several different colleges have showed interest in Newman with a couple of programs looking like an offer is imminent. Some of the schools that have showed various levels of interest include Syracuse, San Diego State, Dartmouth, Brown, UC Davis, Montana, Penn, Montana State, Cal Poly, University of San Diego, Northern Arizona, and Army.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Tim to go over his senior season, his progress on the field moving from defensive end to inside linebacker, and received a recruiting update.
Interview
Tim, the Stallions had a great season this year making the California High School Playoffs. What was the main difference between the play on the field in 2014 and in 2015?
“Our offense really clicked this year. I think it helped that we had a lot of returning players from last year that were able to contribute. We had a lot of sophomores that played last year. Patrick (O’Brien – QB) did a great job this year. On our offensive line we had four seniors and one junior who all were on their second year starting. That was a huge benefit.”
How was the position change for you? There is a big difference between defensive end and inside linebacker.
“I’d say the biggest thing was learning the different ways to play the position, reading my keys and that sort of thing. At defensive end, you read and tackle every play. At inside linebacker, you have to see a lot more and through experience you get better at it. You have to read your guards and pick up on the flow of the play. That was the biggest change. Either way you have to play fast and get to the ball.”
Were you happy with your level of play at linebacker this season?
“Yeah, I’d say the first couple of games were not as great as I wanted them to be, that was being inexperienced at playing linebacker. I definitely got a better feel for it after the second or third game and was able to turn it on. In league and into the first round of the playoffs I thought I was playing really well.”
Do you remember what your stat line was off the top of your head?
“I was at 96 tackles, 12 quarterback hurries, and four sacks; 61 of those tackles were solo. I can’t remember how many tackles for a loss I had. I think I had 13. I got a few carries on offense, scored a touchdown, and I played center for a game and got some pancakes. I decided to play center to help out after we had some injuries. I stepped up and offered to play center.”
How was that game at center for you?
“We lost that game but I thought I did well. I knew the plays and my blocking assignments. My biggest fear going into the game was messing up the snap. I did well, only one bad snap the whole game. I thought it was fun getting after guys in the trenches.”
That is not something easily done. Impressive. Switching to recruiting, which schools are showing a little more interest in you lately?
“San Diego State and Army. I got a call from Dartmouth head coach (Buddy Teevens). Over Twitter, I have a few coaches messaging with me from University of Penn, Cal Poly, and UC Davis. The Davis coaches call frequently. Montana is in touch with me some too but Army and San Diego are showing the most interest right now.”
How is the back-and-forth with Army going?
“They’ve been calling and communicating with me over Twitter. Their coaches like my film. I’m not sure where everything is at with them right now.”
How about San Diego State?
“They seem to like my film. I’ve been talking to two coaches there, their recruiting coordinator, Tony White, and their linebackers coach, Coach (Zach) Arnett. I think they have some offers out to some linebackers already so we’ll see how that goes.”
The season is finished, have you already started offseason workouts?
“I took a week off and I’ve been working out since. Over the break I’ll be able to work out with the underclassmen.”
What are you working on?
“I’m working on lifting, strength, and a lot of field work. I’m doing cones and working on my agility. I go to a training facility to work on my explosiveness too.”
What was your last bench press and squat max?
“It was a while ago but my bench max was 325 and my squat was 420.”
How are things in the classroom?
“I have a 3.92 GPA and I got a 24 on my ACT.”
Great job. Always important to keep everything up in the classroom. Tim, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the recruiting process.
“Thank you.”
Photo credits: San Juan Hills High School, Mr. Miller; Tim Newman in action.