Defensive backs have been one of Tennessee’s top priorities this recruiting cycle. All in all, Tennessee’s coaches have offered over 75 cornerbacks and safeties in the 2019 cycle, and several players who classify as athletes also fit into those categories. And on Monday afternoon, UT’s coaches sent out another offer to a safety in the 2019 class.
Quinton Newsome is a three-star safety out of Suwanee, Georgia, and he tweeted out on Monday that he picked up an offer from Tennessee.
Blessed to receive an offer from THE University of Tennessee!!! #GBO ? pic.twitter.com/LkWLGkDdPH
— Quinton Newsome (@Qnew_2019) June 18, 2018
According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Newsome is the No. 645 overall player and No. 49 safety in the 2019 class. And though those rankings have him as only a three-star, his offer list looks more like a higher-rated player’s list of schools. He holds offers from Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, Oregon, Penn State, Stanford, Nebraska, Ole Miss, and others.
It’s also worth noting that Newsome is teammates with one of the Vols’ top cornerback targets in the 2019 class, three-star Warren Burrell. The two helped lead North Gwinnett to a state title last season, and they’ll try to repeat as champs in 2018.
The 6-foot-2, 180-pound safety has undeniable skill on defense. His awareness is superb, and he has some great instincts as a safety. He’ll play physical on receivers down the field, but he’s also solid in zone coverage. He’s not afraid to lay down a big hit in the run game either. Newsome can be very disruptive to opposing offenses, and it’s easy to see why so many Power Five programs want his services.
As a junior for North Gwinnett, Newsome totaled 49 tackles, a tackle for loss, 10 passes defended, and an interception according to MaxPreps.
Right now, the Vols currently have two projected safeties committed to them in their 2019 class. Four-star Anthony Harris and three-star Aaron Beasley both committed to Tennessee on the same weekend a couple weeks ago.
The Vols would love to get Newsome and Burrell as a package deal because both are very good players at their respective positions. Newsome has a very good frame and a fantastic football IQ to go along with some great athleticism. Tennessee’s coaches will keep an eye on both him and Burrell as the 2019 cycle goes on.
