Newberry talks recent FSU visit, upcoming UT visit

Fort Pierce, FL.- Versatile. That’s one of the biggest attributes of jumbo athlete Giorgio Newberry. The 6’5″ 250 pound talented star has offers from around the country. He was recently on campus at FSU and has one unofficial left to take before his summer ends.

“I made a recent trip up to FSU. It went real good. It was a camp and an unofficial visit. They were telling me about the program and the plans for this year. They are recruiting me as a defensive end.”

Next week the star lineman will head up to Knoxville to meet with Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley and his staff.

“I’m flying up there next week. I have never been able to meet the coaches so I really want to get to know them. They are recruiting me as a jumbo athlete like a lot of schools. It will probably me my last visit this summer.”

Newberry went on to explain a decision could be in the near future.

“I’m about to make my decision soon. Like right before school starts. I’m not sure which schools I’ll pick from, I don’t think I’m going to make a list. I’ll probably just announce.”

With a collection of over 40 offers in hand, Newberry explained that a large group of schools are recruiting him hard.

He also admitted that he has stayed in touch with numerous recruits, including FSU commit Bobby Hart, and Dwyer HS defensive end Curt Maggitt among others.

ESPN Scouts Inc Evaluation:

Newberry is a monster of a kid who will give a program plenty of options in how they use him. He looks to be all of his listed 6-foot-5 if not more and carries his weight well with the room to keep adding additional bulk in time. There is the initial thought when you first see him to say he will be an offensive tackle and there is merit there as he shows the ability to develop into a good tackle. He also though shows enough on defense to believe he can play on that side of the ball in college. In a 3-man front as an end he could fit fairly well, he could also fill that 6/7 technique in a 4-man front and defensive tackle is also certainly an option. So placing Newberry at a position is really a matter of where he can contribute the best once he lands at a school though we think offensive tackle may present his highest ceiling. On offense he is still a bit raw, but has good tools to develop. He is able to get into defenders and create push off the ball. When he gets good placement with hands and brings his hips and generates power from his lower body he can just run a defender back. He needs to be more consistent and watch his pad level though. He moves well for his size and displays the ability to be able to get to second level and block defenders in space. As a pass blocker he needs to be sure to bend at the knees and not open up too quickly, but he has the feet to shadow rushers and can jolt and keep defenders off balance with his reach and punch. On defense he is a tough run defender and impresses you with his heady play. He plays under control and seems to acknowledge that he has responsibilities and will play them. He has a solid get-off, but initial quickness is the not strength of his game. He is very good with his hands and uses his reach well to engage and separate from blockers. He does not let them get into his chest and can shed to make a play on the ball. All things considered he plays with good pad level, but does need to be sure to play low especially when he is not engaged as blockers attacking him on the move can get into him and knock him back. He will come across the ball and breakdown and keep himself in a position to make a play. He is a big guy that is not going to have great short-space quickness, but works to stay square and allow himself the opportunity to react. He runs well for his size, but will not chase many ball carriers down. He is toughest when run his way. He is a solid tackler. Seems best against the run and needs to use his reach more as a pass rusher and develop a pass rush arsenal and have a plan. He can get caught up with blockers, but does present a tough target to throw over and he will get his hands up. Newberry is a good football player in a big body and looks to give good effort. Though we like what we see on defense especially against the run and if allowed to play to his strengths could be a productive defender we feel offensive tackle may be in his future . Good and versatile prospect.