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Bridgeland's Jonte Newman
TUNNEL VISION: Bridgeland's Newman has a one-track mind
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.”
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
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.”
2024-25 Bridgeland FootballJamey Wright (VYPE)
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.
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Cy-Fair's Landon RInk
NEXT IN LINE: Texas A&M-commit Rink upholding family legacy
It isn’t a huge surprise that football would be his life since his father played defensive tackle at Texas and his mom played college soccer.
“I started playing when I was six years old, and I’ve tried to make myself a more refined athlete through each passing season,” he said. “My Dad (Shane Rink) has trained me from a young age and still does to this day as my defensive coach at Cy-Fair. That’s one of the things that keeps me in it and helps me to be steady.”
The reigning District 17-6A Defensive MVP has been the face of the Bobcats’ defense for three seasons, bleeding maroon and white.
“Growing up on this Cy-Fair team has been everything to me,” said Rink. “Competing in 6A means you’re facing the best of the best, so preparing for that starts with our amazing weight room program. We put a lot of work in there and builds us up for the level of competition we’re expected to face.
“Once the postseason arrives, we’ll eventually be looking to face some top guys like North Shore and Katy. When you play good competition, you make yourself play better. I feel like those have all been key components in what makes me the player I am.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Given the prowess that the four-star defensive end has displayed in years past, Rink’s decision in April to play SEC football at Texas A&M came naturally.
“It’s home you know,” he said. “Everything about it suits me pretty well – the scheme, the culture there, the familiar relationships I have with the coaches. All of it blends together for the appeal it’s had for me.”
It’s easy to see where the Cy-Fair senior gets his inspiration from. But, what about his playing style?
“I love to borrow techniques from Aaron Donald (three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year),” Rink said. “He’s the best to ever do it on the D-Line. I also love taking stuff from Christian Wilkins (Las Vegas Raiders) and Dexter Lawrence (New York Giants)... those types of guys.
“I like to be my own person too, though. So, I try to make a good blend of everyone I aspire to be like when I’m on the field.”
When viewing his 6-foot-3, 280-lb physique, Rink was seemingly built to dedicate himself to big-time aspirations.
That doesn’t mean he’s been unable to enjoy his teen years in high school, though.
The stars of 2024-25 Cy-Fair FootballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“Outside of the sport, I love to play video games like Madden or Fortnite and NCAA Football 25,” he said. “I like to go swimming too,since I have a pool in my backyard, which is a nice spot for my friends and I to hang out. Also, when watching TV, my current go-to shows have been The Boys and Rick & Morty."
As Rink and company suit up this Fall, they’ll be aiming to replicate the success they saw from a year ago, in which the Bobcats reached the UIL-6A-DI Regional round.
Considering BFND was knocked out of the playoffs by eventual State Finalist North Shore, Rink will look to cap off his remarkable career in a different fashion...before putting on the maroon and white of the Texas A&M Aggies.