Countdown to Kickoff: 41 Days (Clyde Newton)
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Written by: Alex Compton (@alexncompton)
#41
There are now 41 days remaining until the Indiana Hoosiers kick-off the 2016 season in Miami against the Florida International Golden Panthers. Join us each day for each part of our 100-day countdown to the opener!Next up, Clyde Newton!
Clyde Newton
-Height: 6’1”
-Weight: 227 pounds
-Hometown: Punta Gorda, Florida
-Position: Linebacker….?
As I highlighted on Day 43, IU now has one of the stronger groups of linebackers in the conference. Simmons, Oliver and Scales can play, and there are some really good players that have been flying under the radar so far during their time in Bloomington. Tom Allen is looking to shake up the defense this fall, and he will likely rely on the skill and experience that the backers provide. Most IU fans are familiar with the three linebackers I mentioned earlier, but I would imagine a lot of fans would be surprised to learn that Clyde Newton started every game last season, and had 15 tackles in the Pinstripe Bowl. He was one of Indiana’s more steady contributors last season, as his versatility in the run game allowed him to play in all sorts of different looks. This season figures to be much different for most everyone on the defensive side of the ball, and the senior from Florida is certainly not exempt. With this in mind, a very interesting change has begun to develop this offseason…
Clyde Newton the three-year linebacker may be switching to running back?!
That’s right.
He has been pictured multiple times with Coach McCullough and the running back group, and has supposedly always had an interest in returning to his roots on the other side of the ball. With Camion Patrick down and Jordan Howard gone, there is more of a chance for Newton, however small it may be. He was an absolute beast out of the backfield in high school, averaging 8.1 yards a carry and scoring 36 touchdowns while also playing linebacker against elite competition in Florida. He has been away from offense for a while, but maybe he has a shot to add depth with numbers like that. Redding is the clear #1, but after that the remaining carries are up for grabs. At 6’1” and ~230 lbs, I can’t imagine Newton having a problem getting that tough yard or two, so maybe he can carve himself a nice role in those types of situations.
No matter what ends up happening to Newton before the start of the season, IU ends up with a solid player here. Either you get a talented senior linebacker who will undoubtedly contribute, or you get a freak athlete and once proven running back who will add much needed depth. It’s a win-win, and hopefully Newton’s play will help the Hoosiers rack up the wins in 2016.
Share any memories or expectations you have of Clyde Newton as a player in the comments section (or on the message boards) and be sure to come back to Hoosier Huddle each day during our countdown!