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Thirty-four Division I college football scholarship offers and he’s narrowed it down to his final destination, as Hiawatha Red Hawk senior football star, Peyton Newell announced his college decision of taking his talents to the University of Nebraska next year.
Newell, the number three ranked Kansas prospect according to Scout.com and the 23rd ranked defensive tackle in the nation, choose Nebraska because he felt the family atmosphere with the football program and Head Coach, Bo Pelini.
"Coach Pelini, people don't see what he is outside of football. He's a strong Christian and very good family guy. My biggest selling point, the last three times we went up there, my little brother he's six and run up and gave him a hug and he was talking to Tom Osborne once and my little brother went up to him. That's something that means a lot to me, because that showed me that I mean more to them than just a football player," said Newell.
Peyton also talked about how he will be utilized by the Cornhuskers and by defensive line coach, Rick Kaczenski next year.
"I'm going to play at the three-tech position, kind of more sideline to sideline defensive tackle," said Newell.
Many believe Newell has a high ceiling when it comes to his potential and Hiawatha Red Hawk Coach, Chris Diller was asked about his Peyton's potential.
"Really, I'd hate to label it (his potential) because he's going to go past that. The kid has hopes of going and playing big college football and taking the next step after that. I don't think its unrealistic for him, he's got some special tools but once you get to that level everybody has those special tools. He's the kind of kid that's going to fight for it; he's not just going to be satisfied with where he is, he's going to continue improve," said Chris Diller.
The four-star prospect has compiled the stats and honors in his three years at Hiawatha starting every game as a two-way starter in high school. Last year as a junior he earned a multitude of honors including All-State Defense by the Topeka Capital Journal and Wichita Eagle and was named the St. Joseph News Press Defensive Player of the Year. On top of that he was named 2012 Max Preps National Junior Class All-American on the defensive line after a junior year that saw him total 61 total tackles, 37 for loss, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 10 sacks and a defensive touchdown. Peyton also tallied three touchdown catches on offense, amassing 162 total yards on 14 receptions. On top of his stellar performance on the field Peyton excels in the classroom also, touting a 3.96 GPA.
Newell and his Red Hawk teammates behind their Head Coach, Chris Diller won district play last year and made the 3A playoffs. In the playoffs Hiawatha avenged a loss to fellow Big Seven school in Nemaha Valley, winning the opening round of the playoffs 50-35. Red Hawks fell in the next round to Silver Lake 63-26, but finished a great season 8-3.
Senior season for Newell at Hiawatha sets up as one with plenty of goals for himself and his team as they look to build upon a great season last year, but today the focus for Peyton is on where he will look to continue his football career next year in college.
Full Announcement Audio -- click here to listen (audio thanks to Rainbow Channel 68)
(watch Rainbow for the announcement replay)
Other photos from Peyton Newell's announcement - click here
Some other stories on Peyton Newell:
Great Fox Sports story on Newell's truimph thru personal tragedy. (click here)
Peyton was named to the CBS Sports MaxPreps National Junior All-American team. (click here)
Video highlights of Peyton Newell (click here)
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