Commitment focus: Ryan Newsome (By: Mike Roach)

[HornSports Staff]

submitted on Today, 10:15 AM in Recruiting By Matt Cotcher   

 @mlcotcher
 
One thing lacking from the 2014 Texas offense was explosive playmakers who could score from anywhere on the field. The Texas staff identified this need early and targeted Aledo (TX) speed demon Ryan Newsome to help fix the issue. After accumulating offers from several Power 5 schools including Tennessee, UCLA, Oklahoma, Florida State, and Ole Miss, Newsome narrowed down his options and initially chose UCLA before signing with the Longhorns on Wednesday. Newsome joins John Burt and DeAndre McNeal as signed receivers in this class.

Newsome got a big taste of success at the high school level, including back-to-back state championships. Newsome was a big part Aledo’s championships, playing wide receiver, quarterback, and running back during his time with the Bearcats. While Newsome is small in stature, his ability to take the top off of opposing defenses is coveted at the college level, especially in the Big 12.


Film Analysis




At 5’9, 175 pounds, Newsome doesn’t have a big frame and lacks the room to pack on more weight. Newsome looks slight on the field, but given his athletic skill, it’s clear that his size is the only thing working against him.

Newsome is a smooth athlete who runs crisp routes and understands how to accelerate in and out of breaks to create extra separation. His elite track speed is his greatest weapon, as Newsome shows the ability to get behind defenses and run away from defenders in the open field. Newsome is a good hands pass catcher who makes up for his lack of size with excellent body control and short bursts of quickness. He plays both outside receiver and slot on film but profiles more as a slot guy at the next level.

Newsome has experience taking handoffs from both the backfield and in motion and shows a good understanding of recognizing running lanes and one cut skills to get up field quickly. For his size, Newsome is actually a pretty physical player. Newsome is also experienced at running the wildcat and could be a weapon there in some offensive packages. Newsome’s athletic skill also lends itself to being a dynamic return man on both kicks and punts.

Final Verdict

While Newsome has the athletic ability of a potential big time playmaker with an NFL future, his size limits his ceiling. I think Newsome plays early at UT and makes his impact in a hybrid receiver/running back role. Even though it’s difficult to project his ultimate contribution, Newsome is a nice pickup for a team needing playmaking ability on offense.

 

[BevoBlake]

I'm glad he's changed his mind. I was originally on board with his commitment to UCLA as I thought it was where he wanted to be, given the emotional state he was in when he committed. It's clear now that I misread that situation. 

 

[Mike Roach]

I don't know that I've ever seen a guy so torn over his decision as Newsome was.

Texas needed a homerun threat and Newsome is just that.  I like to call him NASA...Get him in space and let him do work.

 

[MikeV73]

Not sure I like the "hybrid RB/receiver role". Reeks of DJ Monroe, Daje etc... Which has never been effective of late. Of course some of this was the last regime. However, that role has become a graveyard for small statured speedy players on the 40 acres. Unless of course our staff can get them involved better and not telegraph the end around jet sweep when these guys get in the game. Didn't mention too much on the punt return angle where I see him making an impact initially.

 

[Mike Roach]

Not sure I like the "hybrid RB/receiver role". Reeks of DJ Monroe, Daje etc... Which has never been effective of late. Of course some of this was the last regime. However, that role has become a graveyard for small statured speedy players on the 40 acres. Unless of course our staff can get them involved better and not telegraph the end around jet sweep when these guys get in the game. Didn't mention too much on the punt return angle where I see him making an impact initially.

To be clear I think he can contribute early in that role but long term is a slot receiver.  He's pretty versatile and can line up all over the formation.  The move to a spread should help him.  I think he's a weapon on returns right away.

 

[Throthefade]

Yup he will be an instant return man. Kid has world class speed that is hard to keep off the field.

 

[HornSports Staff]

As the old saying goes, "you can't coach speed."  Newsome was a no-brainer for the staff despite his 5-8 stature.  He is the type of player that can change the dynamic of the game with a single touch of the ball.