Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton is the best interior defensive lineman in the country. There isn’t another defensive tackle in the nation that can match Newton’s physicality and production. Newton has been dominant throughout the 2023 campaign, already recording 33 pressures, 24 hurries, and 3.5 sacks.
The No. 16 overall player in our latest TDN100 update, Newton spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about Illinois’ upcoming matchup versus Minnesota. Newton also discussed his skill set as a pass rusher and run defender, his go-to pass-rushing moves, his dream car, and so much more.
JM: What’s the atmosphere like around the program as you prepare for a critical matchup against Minnesota this weekend?
Jer’Zhan Newton: We approach every week with the same mentality. Every weekend is an opportunity to go 1-0. We know that Minnesota is a physical team and a great program. They’re coming off a big win against Iowa. That was a tough game for them, but they found a way to win.
It’s a Big Ten game. We know that every Big Ten game is going to be hard and physical. There are no easy wins in The Big Ten. I feel like we have a great team. It’s going to be a physical matchup. Hopefully, we manage to come out on top.
JM: What are some of the challenges Minnesota poses as an opponent? What is the emphasis on the defensive side of the ball?
Jer’Zhan Newton: We have to stop the run and force them into passing situations. If we can win those early downs and force them to be one-dimensional, that plays into our hands. You always want an opportunity to rush the quarterback on 3rd-and-long. You have to stop the run first. Minnesota has a physical offensive line. I’m sure they’d love to establish the run. Our main thing is to win those early downs.
JM: You’ve been dominant this season. Which areas of your game have grown the most from last season to this year?
Jer’Zhan Newton: I would definitely single out my ability to rush the passer. I’m more consistent now. Last season, I had a few glimpses of being a great pass rusher, but I wasn’t consistent. I think I’ve gotten a lot better in that department this season. I feel like I’ve been able to take over games with my pass-rushing ability. I’ve been getting better with each passing week.
JM: We’ve seen that on tape. How does playing in coach Brett Bielema’s defense help prepare you for the next level?
Jer’Zhan Newton: Coach Bielema is an NFL coach. That’s how he runs this program, that’s how he runs his system on the defensive side of the ball. We’re a three-down, versatile, pro-style defense. We have different schemes. On any given play, I might be playing as a 3-tech, 4i, a shade, a 2i, and so on. I’ve been playing every position on the defensive line. It’s made me a more versatile player. I’m proving to myself that I can play every position on the defensive line. It’s definitely prepared me for the next level.
JM: You had a bunch of NFL defenders in that locker room last season. What did you learn from playing with Devon Witherspoon, Quan Martin, and Sydney Brown?
Jer’Zhan Newton: All of those guys are wired the same. They’re hard-working leaders. They aim to “win” in everything they do. They’re not afraid to attack the process. I’ve definitely modeled myself after them. Playing with those guys was an amazing experience. They approach everything like a professional. They offered a great voice in our locker room. We all respect one another.
To see where those guys are today, it gives me great hope. I know we all have the same dreams and aspirations. We’re all working just as hard to achieve our dreams.
JM: And with their departures, you had to step into a bigger role and become more of a vocal leader. How have you embraced that?
Jer’Zhan Newton: I welcomed it with open arms. I want to win at the end of the day. Whenever I feel like I have to speak up and say something, I’m going to do it. It’s not hard for me to say whatever is on my mind because we’re all family. We’re all in this together. Everybody in that locker room wants to win. I’m with my teammates on the defensive side of the ball every single day. We spend multiple hours together even outside of football. We have a great level of respect on this team, on the defensive side. Me being a leader is just about helping the young guys whenever they need it.
JM: You have terrific size for the position at approximately 6-foot-2 and 295 pounds. How do you utilize size and power to your advantage on a snap-by-snap basis?
Jer’Zhan Newton: I love using strength and speed to my advantage in the run game. My pass-rushing ability relies on similar traits. I’m always trying to outrun or out-leverage offensive linemen when I’m rushing the passer. I use an explosive first step to gain the upper hand. I can shed and get off a block with speed and strength. All of these traits have helped me become a more dominant player. I make quality in-game decisions based on how the offensive line is trying to block me.
JM: At this point in time, would you say you’re more developed as a pass rusher, or as a run stopper?
Jer’Zhan Newton: That’s a great question, a hard question. I take pride in being a great run-stopper, you know? But these past few weeks, I’ve been a great pass rusher. We’re starting to see that arrow pointing up. Right now, I love my pass-rushing ability a little bit more.
JM: I read that you plan to build and design cars one day. What is your dream car and why?
Jer’Zhan Newton: I’d have to say a 1972 Impala. I’d love to build that car from the ground up. That’s how I grew up. My dad is a mechanic. He loves old-school cars. My grandfather always had a lot of nice old-school cars. Me being around that many cars growing up, I grew up in the lot. I’ve always wanted to build my own car from scratch.
JM: Something tells me you’ll get one. We’re excited to continue monitoring your progress. I’ve appreciated your time. In closing, what are Jer’Zhan Newton’s goals for the remainder of the 2023 campaign?
Jer’Zhan Newton: My goal for the remainder of this season is to go 1-0 every single week. I only have so much time left with these guys in the locker room. I’m trying to embrace and appreciate every single moment. I love this game. I’m trying to help our younger guys out so they can continue taking Illinois football to the next level. I want my guys to dominate next season. Take the torch and run with it.
Let’s spread this wealth throughout the program.
