When Texas offered DeSoto offensive lineman Xavier Newman last week, the 6-4, 285-pounder didn't see it coming. It's not that Newman isn't used to getting scholarship offers - he's holding close to 25 offers - but he hadn't heard a lot from the Texas coaches before the scholarship was extended.
Once word made its way to Newman, the three-star lineman was excited about the news and he says Texas has instantly moved into contention.
Key quote: "It meant a lot to me," Newman said. "They talked to my coach and then my coach told me they had offered. It caught me by surprise."
UT ties: Newman admits he's not overly familiar with the Texas program, but he's hoping to change that this week when he visits the Forty Acres for the Longhorns' spring game.
While in town, he'll have a chance to connect with a family member who plays Texas.
"I don't know much about them yet. My cousin plays quarterback for Texas - Jerrod Heard," Newman said. "I know they're a good team. Coach Strong, he's trying to get them back to how they used to be, a powerhouse."
Other visits and schools standing out: It's been a busy spring for Newman, who has already visited Texas A&M, Colorado, Missouri and SMU.
Newman said he doesn't have a formal list of leaders or a top five, but he does have a few schools that have caught his eye.
"Not right now," Newman said of leaders. "I have them, but I'm just taking it really slow. I like Colorado, Texas, Texas A&M, Missouri and I would say Texas Tech."
Conversations with Texas: After picking up the UT offer, Newman talked to UT OL coach Matt Mattox and area recruiter Brian Jean-Mary. The two coaches expressed to him how much they like his game and would really like for Newman to play for the Longhorns. Texas will get its chance to impress again on Saturday during Newman's unofficial visit.
Strengths of his game: If you watch Newman's film, a few things stand out - his ability to play anywhere along the offensive line, his ability to drive defenders back once he gets his feet set and his hands into a defender's chest, and the fact that he plays through the echo of the whistle.
"I'm versatile. I can move, can play a lot of different positions," Newman said. "I play through the whistle, I'm very physical and I'm a smart player. I'm working on getting my feet better and getting bigger."
