NOVA backer gaining interest

Interest is picking up for Haymarket (Va.) Battlefield linebacker Nick Newman. The 6-foot-4, 200-pounder had a strong junior season and that has gotten the attention of a number of colleges.

"I've gotten a lot of letters and talked to a lot of coaches," he said. "A lot of schools came by including Virginia, Maryland and NC State."

Does Newman like anyone?

"Not yet, but this spring I'm going to try to visit some campuses and stuff," he said. "I don't really have a personal favorite, but I kind of want to go to a bigger school with more competition.

"I want to play at a football school, a good school since there is a slim chance at the pros. I'm trying to major in computer science."

A 3.1 GPA student, Newman emerged with a strong junior campaign posting 106 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, three pass breakups and one blocked punt. He added 192-yards receiving. The year earned Newman all-district wide receiver and linebacker honors, first team all-region linebacker, all-conference and all-metro.

"I switched this year from defensive end to linebacker and made a lot more plays," he said. "I think now I'm a very versatile player that can play any position on the field. I'm fast for how big I am and I can make an impact for a lot of teams I think, I just have to get a little bit bigger."