Saturday Illinois game-day set, FSU in the works for 2025 four-star QB/OLB Jershaun Newton
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are very few who can do what Jershaun Newton (6-0, 205) does for Clearwater Central Catholic (Fla.) on Friday nights. The athleticism and winning ways have 14 scholarship opportunities down for the Class of 2025 prospect, but the question is, which side of the ball will he play at the next level?
The play-making skills were on full display last season as Newton helped the Marauders to a 12-2 record. On offense Newton completed 68 percent of his passes for 2,219 yards with 23 scores and rushed for 1,355 yards punching it into the end zone 15 times off 165 totes.
The Marauders’ offense will once again showcase the junior’s overall skills.
“We run a lot of RPOs (run-pass option) and do a lot of running with our running back (Justin Stephens) who transferred from Northside,” Newton stated.
The 2023 season opener for CCC was a big victory over Berkeley Prep (21-14). In the win, Newton was back to his wizardry on offense compiling 161 yards passing on 13 of 18 attempts and rushed nine times for 81 yards with a touchdown.
Tweaks and changes in Newton’s game from a year ago will be noticeable to college scouts.
“This offseason I was working on my footwork, my throwing, and timing with my receivers,” Newton shared. “This year I feel like I have better timing and I am making better reads than last year. Watching film from last year, this year my reads are way better.”
Newton continued covering the strengths to his game as a QB, “Identifying the blitz, getting out of the pocket, getting the ball out quick, and making good reads.”
Sophomore film on Newton not only shows his action in the pocket and on the run as a dual threat, but also shows his work on defense as an outside linebacker hunting down the pigskin.
Asked if he has a preference for which position he plays at the next level, Newton replied, “I will play either quarterback or outside linebacker, I will have to decide.”
Picking a position will be tough enough, and the growing offer sheet will make that process even more challenging. The offer sheet includes Florida State, Mississippi State, Louisville, NC State, Ole Miss, Pitt, West Virginia, South Florida, and UCF among others with squads like Kansas State showing interest.
One of the offering teams, Illinois, has an inside edge on the competition which is leading to an upcoming visit.
“I am going to my brother’s (DT Jer’Zhan Newton) game Saturday at Illinois (vs. Toledo),” Newton said. “I might go on visits to Coastal Carolina and FSU this season as well.”
The rapport with the in-state Seminoles was covered.
“I have a good relationship with coach Adam (Fuller – DC), we’ve been talking a lot recently,” Newton shared. “They always make sure to call me.”
The Marauders are back on the field this Friday taking on Trinity Catholic.