Kevin Newsome is looking forward to preseason camp and competing for more playing time during the upcoming season. The athletic, vastly talented and engaging Newsome has made substantial progress and continues to work hard to put himself into position to challenge for a more significant role. He also continues to make advances as a musician, whether it be honing his piano skills or creating music. Last year, Newsome played in six games, which was highlighted by a 23-yard throw against Iowa. A U.S. Army All-American at Hargrave Military Academy, Newsome continues to improve as a passer and is a quick and elusive runner. He has a great work-ethic and is a physical, instinctive player with a strong arm. One of the nation[apos]s most highly-recruited prep players, he has adapted and embraced what it takes to be a successful Penn State student-athlete, on and off the field, and has a promising future. Newsome is an enthusiastic player, whose confidence and skills translate into the huddle. A young man with a vibrant personality and infectious smile, Newsome is one of three returning Nittany Lions -- joining Evan Hailes and Chima Okoli -- in the long line of Tidewater Region standouts that have matriculated to Penn State under Joe Paterno.
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2010 Sophomore Season
Newsome played in six games behind center. For the season, he was 6-of-13 for 78 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions. In the season-opener, Newsome gained 21 yards on three carries against Youngstown State. He completed his only pass at No. 1 Alabama for 12 yards and gained nine yards on two carries. He rushed for 15 yards on two carries in the win over Kent State. Newsome was 2-of-4 for 35 yards at Iowa, including a 23-yard strike to Kevin Haplea. He completed two passes for 28 yards against Illinois and ran for 12 yards. Newsome also saw action in the win at Minnesota.
2009 Freshman Season
Newsome played in 10 games and made substantial progress during his first year as a Nittany Lion. The top reserve to first-team All-Big Ten choice Daryll Clark, Newsome completed 8-of-11 passes (72.7) for 66 yards, with a long completion of 14 yards during his true freshman season. He was fifth on the squad with 95 rushing yards, averaging 4.8 yards on his 20 attempts, and scoring twice. Newsome made his Penn State debut in the season-opener with Akron, going 3-of-4 for 26 yards and gaining 12 yards on two carries. He had a 15-yard burst in the win over Temple and a 16-yard run in the victory at Illinois. Newsome gained a season-high 49 yards on seven carries against Eastern Illinois, scoring his first career touchdown on a nine-yard run. He also established season-highs in passing against the Panthers, going 4-of-5 for 34 yards. Newsome carried the ball three times for 13 yards and a touchdown in the win at Michigan State to conclude the regular-season. He was on the field for 50 snaps and was among eight true freshmen to see time for the Nittany Lions.
High School
Newsome was one of the nation[apos]s top prep quarterbacks for Coach Robert Prunty at Hargrave Military Academy as a senior. Scout.com ranked Newsome the No. 10 quarterback in the nation and he was selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American game. Rivals.com rated him among the Top 40 prep players in the nation. During his junior season at Western Branch HS in Chesapeake, he threw for more than 1,600 yards and 12 touchdowns and ran for more than 500 yards and 11 scores. A captain of the track and field team, Newsome was an accomplished sprinter and hurdler. He was a two-time hurdles state champion, being ranked No. 5 in the nation and earning All-America honors. He finished 10th at the Virginia state championships as the only freshman in the field. Newsome also excelled in the classroom at Western Branch, compiling a 3.7 grade-point average and serving as president of his junior class. He also was a member of the National Honor Society.
Personal
Full name is Kevin Leonardo Newsome Jr. He is the son of Kevin Sr. and Theresa Newsome. Newsome has an older brother, Tory, and younger brother, Keevon. His father was a running back at Saint Paul[apos]s College. Newsome is an avid piano player and enjoys playing for others. He is studying communication arts and sciences. Born January 21, 1991 in Portsmouth, Va.