Football

Illinois DT Jer’Zhan Newton named to AP midseason All-America first-team

By Adam Rosen and Lisa Chasanov • October 18, 2023

Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton was named to the 2023 Associated Press midseason All-America first-team, according to a statement from Illini Athletics released on Wednesday.

The pick comes following Newton’s selection to the AP All-America second-team in the 2022-23 season.

According to Wednesday’s release, Newton is third in the nation in quarterback pressures among interior defenders, “with eight more than any other Big Ten interior defender.”

According to Pro Football Focus, Newton leads the nation in quarterback pressures among defensive tackles and is ranked second in PFF’s defensive stops category with a total of 21. One of the top-ranked players in the upcoming 2024 NFL draft, Newton also is tied for the most blocked kicks in the nation this year.

Newton is one of two defenders from the Big Ten conference to be selected for the first-team this season, along with Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean.

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According to the statement, “Newton has been one of the top interior defenders in the nation to date.”

Illinois and Newton will face Wisconsin on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. for the 2023 Homecoming game at Memorial Stadium.

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About the Contributors

Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor

Hello! I’m Adam and I’m a senior majoring in journalism. I’m one of the assistant sports editors, and this is my second year with The DI. I love to talk about sports, so if you have any questions or desire to talk about a random athlete from 10 years ago or why Messi > Ronaldo, contact me at my email below!

Lisa Chasanov, Managing Editor for Reporting

Howdy! My name is Lisa, my game is delivering quality news to your phone screen, coffee table and recycling bin. Since fall 2022, I have had the honor of writing, editing and often-unsuccessfully pitching content for The Daily Illini. During my time at the 152-year-old news source, I have served as a reporter at our news desk, summer editor and assistant news editor. Most recently, after a rewarding year of bringing you hard-hitting stories such as “Uncut: Dissecting Circumcision” and “‘Surf’s Up’ could be the film of the summer,” I have taken over as managing editor for reporting. In my free time, you can find me performing open heart surgery in dark alleys, communicating telepathically with small woodland creatures and engaging in otherwise dubious activities. If you would like to summon me for any reason, you can find me at [email protected]. Good Yard. Stay tuned for more.