Texas lineman has two early offers

Growing up in South Dallas, Xavier Newman did not expect to receive his first two scholarship offers from programs located in the Centennial State. The 6-foot-4, 285-pound offensive lineman received his first offer from Colorado on Jan. 29 and his second offer from Colorado State less than a week later.

"It did catch me by surprise but I was just very excited. I feel very blessed," said Newman, who attends Desoto (Texas) High.

New Buffaloes co-offensive coordinator and receivers coach Darrin Chiaverini had success recruiting the Dallas area when he was on staff at Texas Tech so Colorado is hoping to have more success recruiting "Big D" going forward. Surprisingly, the Buffs did not sign any prospects from the Dallas area the previous four recruiting cycles.

“Coach 'Chev' said they think I am very good," Newman said. "He said they have their eyes on me and they look forward to come back to watch me in the spring. I heard it is very cold there in Colorado but they have a good program that plays big time football.”

Newman received his offer from the Buffs' in-state rival during a phone conversation with Rams defensive line coach Ricky Logo. He plans to travel out to Fort Collins to attend Colorado State's Junior Day in late March.

“Coach Logo was just very friendly. He was cool to talk to; just a very open and outgoing guy to talk to,” Newman said. “I'll get to see what they are all about later this spring.”

Newman also has plans to attend a Junior Day at Texas State on Feb. 20. Missouri, Kansas State and Kansas State are some of the other colleges that have shown early interest in him.

“Right now I am thinking more offers are going to come in so I'll focus on getting better this off-season and let it play out,” Newman said. “Right now I don't know what school will be best.

“A big factor will be education, if they have what I want to major in (Education). Is it one of the top academic programs in the country? Also, what is the coaching staff like? Where is it located? Is it a family type program where I would feel comfortable attending? Those are all questions I'll be asking when it is time to choose.”

Newman played primarily at left tackle for DeSoto last season, but he also has some experience playing guard and center. He prides himself on his physicalness, his ability to get off the ball quickly and the fact he is fast for his size.