Kevin Newsome set to commit
Tomorrow will be a very important day for Penn State.
Four-star quarterback prospect Kevin Newsome announced that he will pick his school tomorrow evening. Newsome is going to stage a press conference at a local sports bar in Norfolk, VA, where he attends Hargrave Military Academy.
Two big reasons why it would be absolutely outstanding to land this kid: 1) He used to be a Michigan commit, before backing out. 2) We would all quickly forget about Pat Devlin.
Let's tackle that first point, well, first. Newsome used to be committed to Michigan, then backed out. If Penn State lands a former big-time Michigan recruit, it would signal the complete 180 from where the two programs were a few seasons ago. Remember? We complained about was how Michigan kills Penn State in recruiting every year, and that PSU was left sucking the floor for scraps. Don't get me wrong. I think Penn State always pulled in better classes than given credit for, but losing guys like Chad Henne and Steve Breaston–both of whom haunt our dreams since 2005–really hurt. And not just the history of PSU/UM recruiting, but Penn State would also have taken a fantastic spread-offense quarterback away from Michigan and the spread-guru himself, Rich Rodriguez. But enough about that. It shouldn't really concern any of us right now.
On to the second point. If Newsome picks Penn State, wouldn't it completely bury the Devlin story? I think it would. Sure, losing Devlin is huge, but gaining another top-5 quarterback prospect would be just as big, if not bigger. A pickup like this could send a message to other recruits, similar to when Derrick Williams committed in December '04. With a guy like Newsome ready to go in 2010, we could actually see him as a four-year starter.
Consistency at the quarterback position? Crazy, I know.
4 Commented on this story:
I am anxious to see what happens. Do you think PSU has a legitimate shot at Newsome announcing the Nitts as his pick?
70/30. Apparently, Boston College is still in the race, but they don't utilize the spread like Penn State or the other contender, Virginia Tech.
But then if you look at the Hokies, Tyrod Taylor is a rising star. Even if Newsome picked VT and redshirted his frosh season, he would only get two or three years of possible playing time. I know that sounds like a lot, but compare it then to Penn State's quarterback situation.
If Newsome were to redshirt at PSU in 2009 (not a lock, though, unless we get a decent backup for Clark) he would have a guaranteed four years active playing time.
It just seems logical that Newsome will pick Penn State. But still, I'm sticking with my 70/30 probability.
This guy may be the very reason Devlin left. He would be his competition once Clark leaves, and that offense wouldn't even have to change to accomidate Newsome.
He picked PSU. We got him.
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