Langston Newton juggles two sports

With a dozen scholarship offers to his credit, Carmel (Ind.) defensive end Langston Newton is already established as a Division 1 football prospect. But the 6-5, 240-pound Newton has also reached an elite tier in track and field, where he is one of the country's top high school throwers.

Newton was the discus national champion last year and has a shot put personal best of close to 60 feet. He is also rated three stars as a football prospect with offers from the likes of Indiana, Kentucky, Marshall, Bowling Green, Northern Illinois and Western Kentucky. Mastering the elusive concept of time management is the challenge that faces Newton heading into his senior year.

"In the spring I would throw, throw, throw and was doing maybe 20 percent football stuff," he said. "At the beginning of summer I was going to these camps, so I was doing maybe 40 percent throwing and 60 percent football. Now, I am trying to get to a nice, even 50-50."

Camps at LSU and Notre Dame highlighted Newton's month of June, but he immediately has to return his attention to his throwing.

"I will be on the Junior Olympic Circuit for throwing," Newton said. "Later this month I will be in Illinois for the Regional meet, and if I qualify through there I will be going to Wichita, Kan., for the USATF Junior Olympics National Meet sometime in late July or early August."

Newton is also regimenting his contact with college coaches from both sports. He has received, or is planning to host, visits from track and field coaches this month while also following up with the football programs at LSU and Notre Dame following his camp appearances at those schools.

"I have been able to talk with LSU," Newton said. "They are excited about me and their track program is excited about me, so we'll have to see what happens in the next few months."

Having college potential in two sports means Newton has options his fellow football recruits do not have to consider.

"Track is definitely going to be a [consideration] for me," Newton said. "I imagine what will happen is I will start college playing both, then as the years progress I might decide I need to focus on doing one sport."

For now, Newton is taking both sports into consideration when deciding where to play out his college career. He has some help in selecting a college because his brother, current Kentucky quarterback Morgan Newton, has already been through the process.

"He doesn't talk to me as a recruit; he talks to me as a brother," Newton said. "He really makes sure I consider all my options and stay up with everybody. He said organization is one of the most important things."

Kentucky is one of the schools that has offered Newton for football. His familiarity with the school makes them a strong contender.

"It was definitely exciting to get that offer. It was my first SEC offer, and people down there know me," Newton said. "It is definitely interesting because of my brother's situation. He really told me some good things that made me think Kentucky is an interesting place.

Being down in Kentucky almost every other weekend has left an imprint on me. I love the fan base and how crazy they are about football and how crazy they are about basketball. That is a unique place and I am definitely considering them as a place to go to school."

Although he has close connections with Kentucky, Newton said it is too early to name a favorite for his signature. His attention for the next month will be primarily centered on track and field, after which he begins preparation for his senior football season.