Aiken High's Newman signs to play college football

Updated: 5/26/2012 12:39 AM

Aiken High School senior Spencer Newman, front and center, signs a letter of intent to play college football at Jireh Prep. Seated with Newman is his father, Harry, and mother Fredirica, while Aiken football coach and athletic director Carey Johnson, back left, and principal Garen Cofer look on. Staff photo by Noah Feit.

Everybody makes mistakes. High school football players are certainly no exception to that universal truth.

It was Spencer Newman's ability to learn from his mistakes that allowed the former Aiken High School linebacker to sign a letter of intent to play college football.

"They liked my game film. They would see how I would mess up and then make a correction on the next series or play to improve," Newman said of Jireh Prep, the junior college in Matthews, N.C., that he signed with on Friday. "This is a blessing. It's something I've always wanted to do."

After a senior campaign that included 27 tackles, an interception and fumble recovery, Newman said several factors weighed into his decision. A big reason he picked Jireh Prep over other schools that had shown interest - including Southern Technical College and Southern Virginia University, among others - was the community.

Newman said he was pleased with what he saw, especially the environment among players. He was confident that Jireh Prep was a place he could concentrate on getting work done - on the field and in the classroom. Beyond that, it would allow him to improve in both arenas and be better suited to transfer to a four-year school.

"They just sent 16 guys to Division I, Division II and NAIA combined," said Newman, who is already considering Coastal Carolina, South Carolina State and Elizabeth City College as potential destinations. "Seeing guys go to other schools was a big reason (to choose Jireh Prep)."

Another reason Newman liked Jireh Prep was its location. Matthews is approximately 150 miles from Aiken, which is far enough for him to confidently embark out on his own but close enough for family and friends to watch him play.

At Jireh Prep, Newman intends to pursue a degree in criminal justice with a minor in music. He said a criminal justice degree would offer him a variety of jobs in the field of law enforcement. And taking courses in music is just what comes naturally.

"Growing up in the church, I've been playing music my whole life," Newman said. "I love music. I love it as much as playing football."

Football is the main area of emphasis for Newman at Jireh Prep. He said the Warriors' coaches have told him there are four linebackers on the roster, and he'll have the opportunity to compete for a starting position immediately. He said the coaches liked the versatility his speedy 6-foot, 190-pound frame offered and could potentially shift him to free safety.

Regardless of where he plays, Newman is focused on getting better to help his chances of playing for a four-year program.

"I want to improve on my game," he said, adding that he plans to try and add some bulk and improve his strength. "I want to learn from the coaches and players there and get an education."

Noah Feit is a reporter for the Aiken Standard, primarily covering sports, and has been a professional journalist for more than a dozen years after graduating from Syracuse University.

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