Jershaun Newton: 2023 PHMG Player Of The Year ready to shine once again as #1 quarterback

As the senior quarterback for Clearwater Central Catholic, Jershaun Newton has been a pivotal force for his team, amassing 2,084 passing yards with 14 touchdowns and 1,020 rushing yards with 13 touchdowns last season. Recognized as the #1 quarterback for the Pinellas High School Media Group (PHMG) going into the fall, Newton is ready to carve out his own path and lead his team to victory.

Versatility and Impact
For the past two seasons, Newton also played defensive end, stepping up in crucial moments and giving his team 9 sacks. However, this season, he can fully focus on his quarterback duties thanks to the emergence of Tyrique Harris and Keo Jenkins, as well as the addition of Treveon James from Northeast. This depth in the defensive line allows Newton to concentrate on leading the offense.

Looking to the Future
Jershaun is exploring his options for college, with a visit to the University of Illinois and an offer from the University of South Carolina on the horizon. The University of Illinois, where his brother Jer'zhan became an All-American, may be the frontrunner for his services. He also has offers from other schools, including Florida State and Toledo where is brother Jerjuan stars at reciever . "I’m thinking of finding a home for next year and looking for the best opportunity I have. The SEC is somewhere I’d like to play and I think I could do great things in any conference," he shared. His ambition and confidence highlight his readiness to take the next step in his football journey.

Newton's brothers' achievements have been a significant source of motivation for him. "My brothers' achievements have pushed me to want to do better than them and achieve more. I approach school the same as how I would always do with my brothers or without them having the success they had at CCC," he explained.

Supporting Cast
Newton will have a nice backfield to assist with top running back and Indiana commit Sean Cuono to take some pressure off him along with hard running speedster Nasir Hutchinson . This strong supporting cast bolsters Clearwater Central Catholic's offensive prospects, allowing Newton to distribute the ball effectively and lead a dynamic attack.

Impressive Career Stats
Newton's career stats are a testament to his skill and consistency. He has thrown for 40 touchdowns with only 8 interceptions and has accumulated over 2,700 rushing yards. His ability to impact the game both through the air and on the ground makes him a dual-threat quarterback and a formidable opponent for any defense.

Constant Improvement & Leadership
When it comes to preparing for the season, Newton has a holistic approach. "I’ve been working on everything and in general to help my team and coaches out," he said. His focus on all-around improvement reflects his dedication to being a versatile and reliable player for his team.

As a senior leader, Newton is committed to guiding his team with hard work and focus. "I plan on leading my team with hard work and making sure they’re focused on the task which they have ahead of them on the upcoming season. My only goal is to make my teammates better and to win states," he stated. His emphasis on teamwork and collective success underscores his leadership style and his ultimate aim of winning the state championship.

With his impressive stats, strong family influence, and unwavering dedication, Jershaun Newton is poised to lead Clearwater Central Catholic to a state championship this season. His journey is one to watch as he continues to make his mark in high school football and beyond.