Sophomore safety Mike Newton has only worn the blue and white for two years, yet he has the most interceptions in the Mid-American Conference in that timeframe since his freshman year.
While he has been recognized on several occasions for his accomplishments, a modest Newton feels that what many would consider personal strengths on the field amount to good coaching and bit of luck.
"I don't know so much that they are strengths to tell the truth. It's just being in the right position at the right time," Newton said. "Playing the calls that coach (Jimmy) Williams gives me puts me in the position to make the plays."
Football was always an interest of Newton's growing up. In his family, there is a history of athletes, and Newton's initial decision to play was influenced in part by his relatives, especially his older brothers' involvement in the sport.
"I was like 11 (when I started)," Newton said. "I've got a lot of sports players in my family. Both of my brothers play football."
As he entered high school at Calvert Hall High School in Pasadena, MD, Newton proved to be a force on both the offensive as well as defensive sides of the ball.
"I played both in high school," Newton said. "I played running back and corner."
His talent at Calvert Hall was recognized in his senior year as Newton received several honors at the local and state level. Newton earned first-team All-MIAA (Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Assoc) and honorable mention All-State.
Heading to the next phase of his academic and athletic career, Newton had several options for colleges. In addition to Buffalo, Newton caught the attention of several schools within the Atlantic-10 Conference, which includes schools such as James Madison, Massachusetts and Villanova.
Ultimately, Newton chose Buffalo because it provided all the aspects he was looking for academically and athletically.
"(I chose UB) because of the atmosphere," Newton said. "I had a chance to play athletics in school, and I wanted to play Division I-A."
Transitioning form high school to college ball, Newton has only recognized a few slight differences that he has easily adjusted to.
"It's just a little faster game and the players are bigger (in college)," Newton said.
In his day-to-day life in Buffalo, Newton has learned to balance his life as a student and an athlete while still finding time to enjoy any free moment that he has.
"I just go to class, do my school work and go to practice," Newton said. "Study halls help me balance my time and allow me to get homework done. If I have free time, I spend it relaxing, chillin' with my teammates and things like that."
As a native of Maryland, it is often difficult for Newton's family to see him in action. He also has an older brother playing in college, so his family makes their best efforts to attend games.
"My parents try to get up to as many games as they can," Newton said. "I have another brother in college in Maryland. He's a senior, so they get here as much as they can."
As the end of the 2007 football season draws near, Newton wants the Bulls to continue their winning ways. On an individual level, Newton wants to continue to develop his skills.
"To finish 6-6 is the goal right now," Newton said. "For myself, (my goal is) to keep improving each week with my tackling and my technique."
Thinking about the future and the story he wants to leave with the Bulls program, Newton has a simple answer.
"I just want to be remembered as a good player that came through and helped change the program around," Newton said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
