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

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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