Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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PREP PROFILES Four-star wide receiver Ryan New- some is one of Texas' hottest offensive commodities. This past season, he played wide receiver, running back and quarter- back, and returned kicks for Aledo High. His team set a national record for most points in a season and cap- tured the 4A Divi- sion II state title. Newsome tied the national record for most punt returns for a touchdown in a season with seven and was named the National Kick Re- turner of the Year by FOX Sports. He accounted for 2,364 all-purpose yards and 28 touchdowns for the season and was named to the Texas 4A all-state first team as an all- purpose back. He now has 21 Division I offers with Notre Dame joining the list Feb. 13. "It's a big offer for me," Newsome said. "The tradition there is so big. I love that. They are strong in academics and strong on the gridiron as well. I've heard nothing but good things about the program. "I'm also a big guy on faith, so the emphasis on religion is great, too." The 5-9, 173-pound prospect was contacted by Notre Dame assistant coach Kerry Cooks and was offered the first time they spoke on the phone. "Coach Cooks told me he thought I was one of the most explosive athletes and one of the top players on their ra- dar," Newsome said. Newsome's blazing speed is what has gotten him no- ticed. He placed eighth in 100-meter dash at the 4A state meet last spring with a time of 10.83. "I love running track. I think that is what has contrib- uted to my allusive- ness in open space on the field," he said. "I take pride in that." Notre Dame joined Baylor, Califor- nia, Clemson, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, UCLA and many others on Newsome's offer list. "It gets tougher and tougher with each new offer. Every school produces a new opportunity for you," he said. "It only comes around one time so I'm taking it in stride." Newsome hopes to announce his de- cision at the U.S. Army All-American Game at San Antonio in January. "This whole process is a marathon, not a sprint," Newsome explained. "I'm taking my time to really evaluate what each school has to offer." — Staci Gasser Texas Record-Holder Adds Notre Dame Offer RYAN NEWSOME ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ Aledo High School Aledo, Texas Status: Offered Class: 2015 Position: Wide Receiver Ht.: 5-9 • Wt.: 173 40-Yard Dash: 4.37 247Sports Rankings: No. 212 overall prospect in the country, No. 24 wide receiver nationally and No. 27 player in Texas