Knowing Newton

Covering zones. Keeping an eye on the football. Hitting harder than the last play.

Being a free safety is tough job for athletes who play on the defensive side of the football and for junior Mike Newton.

Newton has been playing football since he was 11 years old. The original idea to play came from his older brothers who encouraged him to join them in the world of athletics. They acted as a catalyst, always pushing him to do better.

Even now, Newton uses them for motivation to move upward and onward. They were tough on him growing up and he has always tried to improve his already impressive skills to surpass them.

"My older brothers were always in sports," Newton said. "To be better then my brothers would be a great achievement."

During his tenure at Calvert Hall High School in Pasadena, Md., Newton played football, basketball and baseball to feed his hunger for competition.

According to Newton, if he were not playing to play football in college, he would have enjoyed playing baseball as a centerfielder. Even though Newton always knew that he wanted to play football, his baseball past still holds a special place in his heart.

"One of my fondest memories would have to be winning the baseball championship in high school," Newton said. "We went 31-1 that season and with a record like that we better have won."

While in high school, Newton played cornerback and continued at that position when he came to play at Buffalo.

"I decided to join the Bulls because I saw that they could improve," Newton said.

Because of his speed, Newton was moved to free safety and loved it the moment he lined up deep in the secondary. With the prospect of getting more tackles and landing a few more blows to the opposing team, Newton considers it an excellent move.

"It was a good move for me because it I like to hit and it gave me more chance to do it," he said.

While Newton is locked into the free safety position on the field, his eyes are focused on the classroom. Newton currently is focused on earning a degree in sociology.

When he has a moment to spare, Newton enjoys playing video games, sleeping and calling his mother, who still lives in his home state of Maryland.

One of the best memories Newton has had while with the Bulls is the big win against Kent State last season. To him, the victory was another step in his ultimate goal for the Bulls, a Mid-American Conference Championship.

After graduating, Newton hopes to keep football in his life by playing or coaching. If he doesn't get his wish, he hopes his sociology degree will allow him to help people, his ultimate goal in life.

"I just love talking to people," Newton said. "I love helping them."