FARMINGTON -- Farmington senior Zach Newman (6-3, 305) signed with Arkansas Tech on National signing day, Wednesday, Feb. 7, in front of a student assembly at Cardinal Arena.
Newman was a key figure as pulling guard on an offensive line that paved the way for the Cardinals to rush for 1,825 yards, averaging 5.2-yards-per-rush with 24 touchdowns. Starting tailback Williams, who had 1,234 of those yards and 15 touchdowns averaging 5.7-yards-per-carry, said whenever he saw Zach Newman pulling he was happy to hop in and run behind him confident he would pick up at least five yards.
"His mentality is relentless. He's not afraid of whoever's in front of him regardless of how big or how strong they are," Williams said. "Pulling is one of his favorite things to do."
Adams noted Zach Newman was a 3-year starter at Farmington, which he said is a rarity on the offensive line.
Zach Newman was thrilled about signing, explaining the timetable between the Cardinals' last game in November until National signing day felt like an eternity.
"I put in as much work as possible to get to this point," Zach Newman said. "I'm a leader on the team. I try to lead them in the right path and they lead me, too. From the sophomores to the seniors they really help. It's emotional."
Zach Newman walked off the field satisfied with his effort in spite of a season-ending 42-24 loss to Harrison in week 10. Had the Cardinals won they would have entered the playoffs. He recounts his favorite memory playing for Farmington as the last play of that game which resulted in a 7-yard gain.
"My favorite memory is the play that ended our season," Zach Newman said. "We ran a Trap 34, my favorite play. As I run to the sideline I see Coach (Mike) Adams is happy. I did my job and I was happy, too."
Zach Newman is the son of Willie and Stephanie Newman. Among the people he wants to thank are his parents and Farmington offensive coordinator Spencer Adams.
"Spencer Adams has been like a big brother, he's almost like a father to me," Zach Newman said, crediting Spencer Adams with showing him proper technique.
"Of course, my father (Willie Newman), he's the one who put my highlight films together," Zach Newman said. "We traveled together from Pittsburg, Kan., to Arkadelphia. My mom, she's one of the people who probably cares more about my well-being than me playing football, but she's definitely proud of me."
Zach Newman plans to pursue a degree in either Civil Engineering or Biological Engineering.
Sports on 04/04/2018