Scouting Report: Grant Newsome

Submitted by Magnus on

This week's scouting report is on Lawrenceville (NJ) Lawrenceville Prep offensive tackle Grant Newsome. I've been a little surprised that he hasn't been mentioned around here (and other places in the interwebs) much because at this point, he's probably the most likely 2015 lineman to commit to Michigan. Penn State and Ohio State have done a good job recruiting the previous guy with that title, Pittsburgh (PA) Baldwin's Sterling Jenkins. Newsome is a pretty solid prospect in his own right.

http://touchthebanner.blogspot.com/2014/03/scouting-report-grant-newsom…

teldar

March 27th, 2014 at 7:55 AM ^

He seems like he should be a nice addition as a tackle. I guys I have a question about Jenkins. Is the word on him he's going elsewhere?

BlueCube

March 27th, 2014 at 8:22 AM ^

maybe I'm reading this as intensity/drive. From the comment posted it sounds like he isn't playing top competition right now. I'm concerned with the agression issue that he won't reach his potential. Are you seeing that as an issue?

Magnus

March 27th, 2014 at 8:23 AM ^

I think it's sort of a concern, yes. It's tough to gauge that aspect from film, though. There are a few reasons why he might not be the most aggressive blocker (out of shape, poor team atmosphere, knowing he's better than the guy across from him, etc.), and some of those may disappear with a different coaching staff or atmosphere.

SECcashnassadvantage

March 27th, 2014 at 8:46 AM ^

We need to go after 3 stars in the South. Will we ever learn that the 80's are over. Yesterday I was in Lake City Florida and the QB and a few other players came to a specialty fitness center at noon. They were there for 2 hours, and who knows what the drive time back to school is. I asked my coworker what was up, and he said, football first, and school second. The QB drives a Red Bull pickup truck with fancy rims. We are fighting with one hand tied behind our back.

In reply to by SECcashnassadvantage

GoWings2008

March 27th, 2014 at 8:50 AM ^

if that's the approach Michigan should take.  Football first and school second...if we're gonna go after guys like that, may as well make them 4 or 5 stars. 

In reply to by SECcashnassadvantage

MgoRayO3313

March 27th, 2014 at 10:02 AM ^

Although I agree it's a losing battle, I find that mentality absolutely ridiculous. I know everyone will tell me to get off my high horse, but I'm sorry, academics should come first. I don't know the first thing about a reporting system in Florida (all self reporting here in MI) but that alone should be reported as negligence on the part of the district.



I'd be curious to see what the academic requirements to participate in HS are in other states. It's ridiculous to say academics do not come first (on their end) ... It's still just a HS no matter how much talent they have/produce.

In reply to by SECcashnassadvantage

WolvinLA2

March 27th, 2014 at 12:49 PM ^

So let me get this straight:  Because you saw some kids in Lake City, FL training for football during a week day, that means we should stop recruiting the Midwest and instead focus on middling prospects in the South?  Particularly ones with fancy rims and energy drink decals?

Got it.  Some sound logic there.

creelymonk10

March 27th, 2014 at 8:59 AM ^

I don't get why so many kids want to play for James Franklin. I see his antics on the sidelines and the way he talks to people in his douchey, condescending way and I'd want to kick him out of my house immediately.

Mgodiscgolfer

March 27th, 2014 at 9:03 AM ^

UM coaches have slowed down on him (Jenkins)and decided to cast a larger net over some other prospects so this guy  (Grant Newsome) is probably one of them.

Space Coyote

March 27th, 2014 at 12:05 PM ^

The Michigan coaches may be slowing down on him because the prospects of him becoming a Wolverine may be decreasing. It's not that he isn't still #1 on their board and that they still aren't recruiting him, instead, it's more likely that they are casting a larger net to ensure they get a prospect they like at the position.

I just don't want us to sound like the guys that just say "we cooled on him because we liked other players better" after it becomes more likely a guy commits elsewhere.

Don

March 27th, 2014 at 10:25 AM ^

Basketball, football, it doesn't matter—most of those schools, and their fans, have very different notions of what is ethical when it comes to recruiting and retaining players compared to Michigan. Boosters have been funnelling money to football players at Alabama and Auburn and Kentucky basketballers for decades.

Never

March 27th, 2014 at 10:35 AM ^

"Thick upper body, narrow from waist down, which is how I like tackles."

Mind expounding? I thought I recalled seeing a prominent coach proclaim that he looks for the opposite in OL - a big bottom/wide base. I'm thinking your preference has something to do with projected mobility/lateral movement.

Magnus

March 27th, 2014 at 10:48 AM ^

As for left tackle prospects, I prefer guys with body types like Newsome has. They have to be mobile, and I think if you look at a guy like Taylor Lewan, he was that type coming out of high school. For guys who play on the interior or maybe RT, I like guys with a badonkadonk.

jasgoblue

March 27th, 2014 at 11:27 AM ^

Magnus, thanks for the scouting report. I have a question that I hope doesn't derail the conversation here, any news or updates on Malik McDowell?