’26 RB/LB got some run in ’22 but looking for the primetime in ’23
This is a kid who looks the part and, in the weight room, is playing the part of a big time RB/LB hybrid. He played in eight (8)-varsity games as a freshman for one of the better programs in Kentucky 3A. A big sophomore campaign figures to launch this prospect to the top of some prestigious recruiting boards.
HB Lyon, Scouting Division, KPGFootball
It isn’t easy for a freshman to crack the lineup on any football team competing for Paul Blazer High in Ashland, Kentucky. We are sure you are aware the Tomcats are an extremely successful program.
They always have been. The Tomcats won a national high School championship in 1931. Matter of fact, they didn’t lose a single game from 1925-1932. This is according to what we read in the book, Ashland Tomcats Football: A Total History.
Their success isn’t ancient either. The Tomcats were 9-5 in ’22, losing in the State Semis to eventual champions, Christian Academy-Louisville.
Paul Blazer, in the Covid-shortened season (2020), won it all. They finished 11-0 that year to take home the 3A title.
Point is, this isn’t the easiest place to see playing time as a freshman. Didn’t stop Keshawn Newman.
Newman is 5’9,” weighs 170 & has a registered bench press of 255, a squat of 345, and a PC of 225
From Newman’s Twitter account
Newman is 5’9,” and weighs 170-pounds. He has a registered bench press of 255, a back squat of 345, and a power clean of 225. All of those are elite numbers for a rising sophomore at either RB or LB.
Newman didn’t get but a few carries. However, he averaged 9-yards a carry in his limited opportunities.
Newman played some defense too. He recored a handful of tackles.
His stats look like one would expect for a freshman getting eight (8) games of run. Newman’s production will sky-rocket in ’23.
We wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Newman get a ton of carries in ’23. We also wouldn’t be surprised to see him get into the starting lineup along the 2nd-level.
As for his next level prospects, all the “big boys” seem impressed. We have seen numerous pictures of him enjoying different “Junior Day” activities at numerous FBS level programs.
Is he a take at the D-1 level? Probably a bit early to know that. For now he needs to continue to work and begin dominating the 3A classification, which he his well on his way to doing.
This guy is ready to be the Top-Tomcat. All he needs is consistent opportunity.
This is Fletcher W. Long, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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