Illinois football went through a lot of ups and downs throughout a 5-7 season, but recognition for its best player was in order from the Big Ten. Junior defensive tackle Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton was named the Big Ten’s defensive player and defensive lineman of the year in a season that saw his NFL draft stock soar to first-round heights.
Newton led his team in sacks with 7.5 and tied for second in the conference in the same category. The fourth player in program history to win the DPOY award, Newton blocked a whopping four kicks en route to the award, earning nominations for national awards as well.
The St. Petersburg, Florida native is the only defensive tackle listed as a Nagurski Trophy finalist, annually given to the best defensive player across college football. The 6-foot-2, 295-pound lineman has been projected by many to go in the first round of the upcoming NFL draft, similar to former Illinois teammate Devon Witherspoon, who was drafted last year by the Seattle Seahawks with the No. 5 overall pick.
Newton also led the nation across the past two seasons with over 100 quarterback pressures, with nobody coming even close to matching that mark. According to Pro Football Focus’ draft board, Newton is the No. 10 prospect in the upcoming draft, was named a midseason All-American and likely will be named an end-of-season All-American when the names are revealed.
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