Now two years removed from a season-ending leg injury, Newton looks to make a major push for playing time on the offensive line ... could also be a contributor on field goal/PAT units.

2007: Appeared in five games ... graded at 70 percent or higher in 4-of-5 outings ... was in for a season-high 25 snaps, grading out at 76 percent with three knockdowns, in win over Lenoir-Rhyne ... turned in a season-best 85-percent performance in 20 plays versus archrival Western Carolina.

2006: Redshirted ... suffered a season-ending leg injury on scout team.

High School: Standout lineman for Person H.S. ... named all-conference as a junior and senior ... earned the Golden Helmet Award for best offensive lineman in 2005 ... coached by Mark Lungford.

Personal: Full name is Jacob Daniel Newton ... born on May 15, 1987 (21 years old) ... son of Darryl and Gwen Newton ... majoring in construction management.