TCU senior cornerback Josh Newton is one of the most underrated defensive back prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. A transfer from Louisiana-Monroe, the Horned Frogs advanced to a historic College Football Playoff National Championship appearance in Newton's first season with the program. Across two campaigns at TCU, Newton recorded 19 pass breakups and four interceptions.
Newton recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his decision to transfer, why head coach Sonny Dykes called him "the least entitled player I've ever coached," and playing man and zone coverage.
JM: You recorded 19 pass breakups and four interceptions in two seasons at TCU. What is it about your game that allows you to get your hands on the ball so often?
Josh Newton: I previously played the wide receiver position in high school. I originally attended Louisiana-Monroe as a receiver. I didn’t make the transition to cornerback until spring practice of my redshirt freshman year. Obviously, all that training and background developed my hands. I know what wide receivers are trying to do. I can still think like a receiver.
I was out injured this past spring. My teammate dropped a weight on my foot and I had to get a toenail cut off. That time off actually helped me take a step forward in my film study. When you’re injured, there’s nothing better to do than watch tape and improve your football IQ. My communication got better. I saw the bigger picture. I was talking to my teammates and helping them see what was coming. I’m always trying to put us in a better situation to defend the pass.
I have to give my teammates a ton of credit. In 2022 especially, everybody remembers the type of season we had. When you have a bunch of dogs on the defensive line that can push the pocket, it makes your job easier on the back end. We had a complete team at all levels, linebackers too. The scheme has been so great to play in.
My ball production has been a result of a combination of things. Look at the Dallas Cowboys for example. They’ve been the best at creating turnovers. Guys like Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland have had incredible ball production in recent seasons. That’s largely because they put pressure on the quarterback. The more pressure you put on the quarterback, the better chance you have of the ball coming your way in the secondary. It’s the art of the game. That's why they pay defensive linemen.
JM: You transferred to TCU from Louisiana-Monroe ahead of the 2022 campaign. You went to a National Championship in your first season. How do you look back on the decision and experience?
Josh Newton: It definitely worked out for me. I don’t have any regrets even though our 2023 season didn’t go according to plan. I don’t have a single regret.
JM: You have terrific size for the position at approximately 6-foot, 190 pounds. How do you use that to your advantage on a snap-by-snap basis?
Josh Newton: I’m an extremely physical player at the line of scrimmage. I try to be physical. Mostly, I’m more of a technique guy, though. I believe in the power of playing with great technique. I know that I’m strong and have very long arms. I have to use those things to my advantage at the catch point.
I always lean toward technique though. Your feet put you in a good position, not the other way around. As long as I stay sharp with my technique, it gives me an opportunity to use my physical gifts to make a play on the ball. It allows me to stay dominant.
JM: Speaking of feet and technique, talk to me about matching speed with good footwork and hands. On tape, you have the foot quickness necessary to stay in phase, but you always manage to play under control, too. I see that technique.
Josh Newton: It’s a little bit of everything. I’m glad you noticed that. I watch a ton of tape on old-school cornerbacks. I’m a student of the game. I love learning and getting better. I watch the greats—the ones that made a name for themselves in the league. God blessed me with amazing physical gifts at the end of the day.
JM: Who are some of the greats that you enjoy watching?
Josh Newton: The list is so long. I’ll give you a snapshot. Deion Sanders, Charles Woodson, and Champ Bailey immediately come to mind. Anybody that made a name for themselves at the next level, I’m studying their tape. I want to be an all-time great. Darrelle Revis is another one.
Even guys today. I watch a lot of Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard as well. I’m really tapped into all the top guys,
JM: We love that. Coach Sonny Dykes called you “the least entitled player I’ve ever coached.” What do you think he meant by that?
Josh Newton: You’d have to ask him. But I hope he meant that he appreciates the expectations I place on myself. My expectations for myself are higher than his expectations for me. I’m harder on myself than anybody. Honestly, that’s how it’s supposed to be. At the end of the day, this is a “help me, help you” situation. He coaches me to be better. It’s then up to me to take those pointers and apply myself.
How can a coach help you if you’re not trying to help yourself? It’s my job to take control of my career. It’s not anybody else’s job. At the end of the day, coach Dykes is a coach. He can’t go out there and play for me. I have to play.
I feel like it’s a no-brainer. My expectations need to be higher for myself. If somebody else expects more of you than yourself, you’re doing it wrong.
The coaching staff always tells us that our standard should be higher. I took that and ran with it. I take pride in my performance.
JM: I love that. You’ve thrived in every scheme at TCU. Do you prefer to play man or zone coverage?
Josh Newton: Man coverage all day, man. It teaches you how to be a man. You have to survive out there on that boundary. It teaches you how to be a man. Don’t let it go over your head. It’s on you. You’ll experience a personal growth spurt playing cornerback. You need to survive.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. What are your goals moving forward? What comes next for Josh Newton?
Josh Newton: I’m preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft. Wherever they have me at, I’m going to attack the process. I'm excited for our Pro Day. I’m excited for the NFL Scouting Combine, should they invite me.
