Earlier this week, 2020 Clearwater Central Catholic (FL) 3-star DL Jerzhan Newton released a top 5 that included the Canes, along with Florida State, Maryland, Kansas State, and USF. UM’s reputation for producing quality defensive linemen over the years was part of the reason why he felt comfortable putting the Canes in his top group.
“It’s a nice program of course, it’s a good school for a D-Lineman to go to the NFL, and coach (Todd) Stroud is a nice guy and he’s cool,” Newton said of Miami. “So I do really like them.”
Since his UM offer came through in late April after Stroud watched him practice, Newton has slowly been developing a relationship with UM’s D-Line coach. Part of Newton’s Miami connection comes courtesy of his head coach, former Hurricanes’ long snapper Chris Harvey, who played with the team from 1999-2003 and was the starting LS each of his 4 eligible seasons at UM. Harvey has spent the past 3 seasons leading Clearwater Central Catholic, amassing a 32-4 record in that time, and is friendly with Stroud.
“I probably talk with him about once a week or once every other week,” Newton said of Stroud. “I mean, I could say we’re close, he knows me well and he’s good friends with my head coach, so that makes the connection better. I want to go down there and spend time with him and get to know him even better.”
Although he won’t be able to attend Paradise Camp this weekend, Newton does plan to make a visit to Coral Gables after the dead period ends on July 24th.
“I have my Maryland official this weekend, but I’ll be down there for an unofficial in late July though,” Newton said. “Coach Stroud really just wants me to get down there to meet the rest of the coaching staff.”
At 6-3 250 pounds, Newton plays both defensive end and defensive tackle in high school, but says Stroud is not pegging him into one spot just yet if he were to come to Miami.
“We don’t talk much about the defense, but then again, I already know a lot about it,” Newton said. “I like that they’re physical and everybody brings energy. They always looking for a turnover to celebrate with the chain. So, I just like the energy they bring to the field.”
A decision could be coming up for Newton over the summer, but he’s in no rush to choose if the right school is still unclear.
“I’ll commit either on my birthday, August 31, or if I’m not ready, then it’ll be signing day in December.”
“It’s a nice program of course, it’s a good school for a D-Lineman to go to the NFL, and coach (Todd) Stroud is a nice guy and he’s cool,” Newton said of Miami. “So I do really like them.”
Since his UM offer came through in late April after Stroud watched him practice, Newton has slowly been developing a relationship with UM’s D-Line coach. Part of Newton’s Miami connection comes courtesy of his head coach, former Hurricanes’ long snapper Chris Harvey, who played with the team from 1999-2003 and was the starting LS each of his 4 eligible seasons at UM. Harvey has spent the past 3 seasons leading Clearwater Central Catholic, amassing a 32-4 record in that time, and is friendly with Stroud.
“I probably talk with him about once a week or once every other week,” Newton said of Stroud. “I mean, I could say we’re close, he knows me well and he’s good friends with my head coach, so that makes the connection better. I want to go down there and spend time with him and get to know him even better.”
Although he won’t be able to attend Paradise Camp this weekend, Newton does plan to make a visit to Coral Gables after the dead period ends on July 24th.
“I have my Maryland official this weekend, but I’ll be down there for an unofficial in late July though,” Newton said. “Coach Stroud really just wants me to get down there to meet the rest of the coaching staff.”
At 6-3 250 pounds, Newton plays both defensive end and defensive tackle in high school, but says Stroud is not pegging him into one spot just yet if he were to come to Miami.
“We don’t talk much about the defense, but then again, I already know a lot about it,” Newton said. “I like that they’re physical and everybody brings energy. They always looking for a turnover to celebrate with the chain. So, I just like the energy they bring to the field.”
A decision could be coming up for Newton over the summer, but he’s in no rush to choose if the right school is still unclear.
“I’ll commit either on my birthday, August 31, or if I’m not ready, then it’ll be signing day in December.”
