Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Eric Newman, TE, University of West Georgia

Every year, NFL Draft Diamonds brings our readers the best in depth interviews on the internet. We specialize in giving players an opportunity to showcase their talents on our website. We conducted interviews last year with over 300 plus players. We want you to enjoy our interviews, because when these young men are in the league, we will not be surprised, and neither should you. 

What is your name?

Eric Newman

What is your Height/Weight?

6’3 245

What is your position?

Tight End/ Fullback

Where do you play college football?

University of West Georgia

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

I had about 6 GSC and SAC  conference schools (division 2) recruit me out of high school. No big time offers, mainly because I played left tackle at 220 lbs on an option football team in high school. Didn’t actually play tight end and fullback until I got to Newberry College.

How did you choose your school?

I chose Newberry because they told me I would get immediate playing time at the TE and Fullback position as a true freshmen. And for a school to offer me a scholarship to play tight end based on only offensive tackle film was a blessing.

Where are you from?

Dacula, Georgia

Who is your role model, and why?

Both of my parents. They are willing to do anything for their kids and anyone for that matter. Always have been supportive.

Have any scouts met with you yet, and if so what are they saying?

Yes, they like my size and film and are interested to see numbers I put up on pro day.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I played both basketball and baseball growing up.

In high school I only played football and baseball.

Did you play any other positions in football?

In college I have only played tight end and fullback. In high school and little league I played some defensive end.

At your position, what separates you from others?

Physicality and aggression at the point of attack.

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

I always look at the defensive ends technique and ball get off coming off the snap along with pad level. It is also helps to look for LB and DE tendency’s on certain downs depending on pass or run situations.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

Larry Dean played LB at Valdosta state when I was at Newberry. He always came across the ball looking for a collision.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?

James Devlin of the New England Patriots. He’s a tough physical blue collar fullback that does his job to allow others the opportunity to make big plays. Selfless player that plays with a great deal of intensity.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

I have been fortunate enough not have anything severely bad happen in my life but if I had to name the biggest obstacle from a football standpoint it would be transferring from Newberry College to West Georgia. I left a lot of good friends behind and had to learn an entirely new offensive system and coaching staff. Then my senior year at UWG getting an entirely new coaching staff and playbook to learn was tough as well, but it was a very rewarding experience and the best season of football I’ve ever been a part of.  

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Pop in headphones and try to relax before the game.

What is your biggest strength?

My determination and unwillingness to be beaten.

What is your biggest weakness?

Overthinking and getting too anxious.

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

I would tell him that I am a hardworking determined player that strives for excellence and is willing to do whatever it takes to help his organization.

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

Mike Vick and the Atlanta Falcons.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?

Tony Gonzalez, Kevin Hart and motivational speaker Eric Thomas.