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DeKalb's Newman commits to NIU

DeKalb's Michael Newman forces Sycamore's Manuel Dominguez to fumble Friday during their game at Northern Illinois University's Huskie Stadium. The teams were playing in this season's edition of the First National Challenge, a fundraiser hosted by First National Bank that benefits the Booster Clubs of both schools.

DeKalb's Michael Newman forces Sycamore's Manuel Dominguez to fumble Friday during their game at Northern Illinois University's Huskie Stadium. The teams were playing in this season's edition of the First National Challenge, a fundraiser hosted by First National Bank that benefits the Booster Clubs of both schools. (Mark Busch)

By KALEB CARTER

DeKalb linebacker Michael Newman came to love football late in his high school athletic career.

Thursday, that love helped him cement a spot on the Northern Illinois football team as he announced his commitment as a preferred walk-on player.

“I felt like I had a better shot at the end of the season playing football. I just ran with that," Newman said. "I learned to love football more than I did in the past.”

The 6-foot-3 recent graduate of DeKalb finished with 59 tackles in the fall, including a sack. He also had an interception and forced a fumble. DeKalb's defense surrendered only 11.3 points a game and never allowed more than 21 points.

He also played under his father, (also named Mike) for the Barbs football team.

“I feel like it was a great experience and having especially my dad as a coach, he has helped me through a lot of adversity," Newman said. "All of my coaches have helped me overcome things that I thought I couldn’t do.”

DeKalb coach Keith Snyder, who was Newman's defensive coordinator last year, said it was nice to see the hard work Newman put in during four years in three sports pay off.

"What you get with a kid like Michael is a kid who is coachable," Snyder said. "He's going to do whatever you ask. he's going to make the kids around him better. That's what you get our of Michael and really it's what you hope to get from any kid."

As far as his all-around game is concerned, Newman sees himself making a meaningful contribution to the Huskies.

“I expect to be somebody that can contain the outside and blitz off the edge like I did this past season and be able to evade those blockers … drop into zone and play man and guard wide receivers, slots and running backs."

Weighing 190 pounds, Newman is planning to further work on his body in the weight room and in his diet. The coaching staff told Newman they wanted him to come in weighing more than 200 pounds in the fall, when he'll join the team.

The coaching staff has stayed in communication with Newman since March.

“They just felt that they liked my personality and liked my drive for the game and just how I look at the game and felt that I was a good fit to be a part of their program," Newman said.