Jer'Zhan 'Johnny' Newton, Illinois standout DL, announces plans for 2023 season
Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton is returning for another season. The Illinois standout defensive lineman announced Monday that he will be back with the Illini in 2023.
Newton shared the big news on social media.
Best DT in college football time to prove it… pic.twitter.com/iJjB1cVgJf
— THESEUS🔱 (@Johnny5Newton) January 16, 2023
Newton was named All-Big Ten first team by the conference coaches and media in 2022. He also received second-team All-America recognition from the Associated Press and CBS.
Newton played in all 13 games of Illinois’ 2022 season. In his best season yet, Newton recorded 62 total tackles, including 33 solo stops, 14 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, along with 3 passes defended and 2 fumble recoveries. Newton had a career-high 8 tackles in the Michigan State game.
The announcement from Newton followed Keith Randolph Jr.’s decision to return to play for Illinois in 2023. Bret Bielema’s squad looks to be strong on the defensive line heading into next season.