X-Men, Assemble: Xavier Newman Picks Texas

Perhaps inspired by Team Texas' decisive 21-7 victory over Team Horns this past weekend, DeSoto o-lineman Xavier Newman gave Charlie Strong his verbal commitment on Wednesday.  Here be the HUDL:

The 6'3", 272-pounder has lined up at tackle, guard and center for the Eagles and likely profiles on the interior at the next level.  Newman joins Sam Ehlinger, Lagaryonn Carson, Damion Miller, Major Tennison and Kobe Boyce as the sixth commitment in the Longhorns' 2017 recruiting class.  For the moment he's only a 3*, but If you'll abide a comp that takes neither position nor melanin levels into account then Newman's tape and trajectory call to mind 2016 signee Andrew FItzgerald.  Both guys share a relentless on-field demeanor, and while Newman may not match Fitzgerald's ascent from the ranks of the Hoo Dats to National Top 100 player status he's likely to pick up another star prior to next February.  Newman recently participated in The Opening Dallas Regional, stepping in as a lightly-regarded 3* and walking away with the camp's Offensive Lineman MVP honors and an invite to Oregon this summer.

You always like to see an OL bullyrag a guy ten yards past the point of initial hit - it betokens not only a nasty attitude, but the ability to stay balanced and active past the initial hit.  Unlike another famous Xavier, Newman uses his feet well - not only to drive through contact, but also to take controlled paths as he hunts targets on the second level.  He sports another key component of O-line athleticism as he consistently uses his upper body, core and hips in concert to turn and seal defenders away from the ball.  Newman shows pretty good footwork and a nice punch in pass protection, and those traits figure to play up inside even though his long arms could allow him to play tackle in a pinch.

Welcome aboard, Xavier.