WHEN IT COMES TO CONSTRUCTING A SUCCESSFUL FOOTBALL PROGRAM, THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BIG-MEN UP FRONT CANNOT BE OVERSTATED.
Sure, the skill players will naturally receive the majority of the praise given that they’re the ones lighting up the scoreboard, but for a team to be propelled into the postseason it will ultimately come down to how capable their guys are in the trenches.
For Bridgeland, there aren’t many nearly as capable as Jonte Newman.
After being established in 2018, the Bears are easily one of the most instantly accomplished programs in the state, having reached the playoffs every season for the last five years.
“I just love Bridgeland’s mentality,” Newman said. “It’s a great atmosphere and a great community that’s helped to build me up as an individual. If you want to come play a winning brand of football, come to Bridgeland. That’s been my take on it.”
From the left tackle spot, Newman has been a pillar in an offensive line that’s upheld the team’s rapidly growing reputation.
He earned a unanimous first-team, all-district nod in 2023. It’s only natural that four-star offensive linemen would have a place to call home ahead of his senior year.
Luckily for Newman, he won’t have to travel far after committing to Texas A&Min April.
He was more than straightforward as to what his motivation was.
“Mike Elko (A&M’s newest Head Coach),” he said. “I believe in everything he says.I think he’s going to do some good with the program, since he turned Duke – a traditional basketball school – into a respectable football team. Because of that, I knew A&M would be a good fit for me.”
His 6-foot-4, 275-pound frame, paired with surprisingly quick feet make him more than a critical asset for coach Lonnie Madison’s front-line, as they look to extend their playoff-streak to six this upcoming Fall.
But his value extends further than just physicality.
“I think my greatest attribute is how I’ve grown into a leader,” said Newman. “I’ve also gotten pretty good at pass-press which fits right into our offensive scheme, because Bridgeland likes to pass a lot. Plus, being a left tackle means I’m covering the QB’s blindside,so taking that responsibility means I’ve got to be a dog on the O-Line.”
Just as many in his position do, Newman maintains an unwavering focus for his future.
“The goal is to make it pro, plain and simple,” he said. “I don’t really have a backup plan in mind, so all my attention is aimed at seeing that journey through.”
Before he embarks on his dream to the top, however, the future Aggie and his high school team has some unfinished business.
Bridgeland endured an early exit from the postseason a year ago, in a 50-49 overtime thriller that was decided by Klein Cain, after going undefeated in District 16-6A.
With Newman shoring up a formidable O-Line, however, he and the Bears should expect a different outcome in the coming months.