Defensive lineman leaving WSSU

By: John Dell | Winston-Salem Journal
Published: January 07, 2010

Defensive lineman Josh Newkirk, who was third in tackles at Winston-Salem State this past season, has transferred to Florida A&M.
Newkirk, who will be a junior this fall, was a two-year starter for the Rams on the defensive line. He started classes at Florida A&M on Wednesday.
"They saw what I could do on film and I decided I wanted to play there," said Newkirk, who was in on 54 tackles this season with one sack and one interception. "I wanted to get out of Winston with all that's happened."
The Rams went 1-10 this past season, which led to the resignation of Coach Kermit Blount. They will be playing in Division II next season after halting the drive to Division I.
Newkirk is the first starter on the Rams who has decided to transfer.
"I wanted to play Division I and that's why I signed with Winston," said Newkirk, who is 6-2 and 240 pounds and was a star at Wallace-Rose Hill High School. "I'll miss my teammates, especially the ones that were on the D-line with me, but I needed to do this."
Newkirk, who has a 3.0 grade-point average, is eligible right away. He expects to compete in spring practice for a starting job. Because the Rams will compete in Division II next season, players who transfer don't have to sit out a season.
"I talked with Coach (Joe) Taylor and they had five defensive linemen graduate," Newkirk said about Florida A&M's head coach. "So I'll get a shot to show what I can do."
Newkirk said he also likes FAMU's sociology major.
"That attracted me to them as well and it's something I want to major in," Newkirk said. "I'm excited about the move."
Newkirk moved into the starting lineup as a freshman in 2008 and wound up third in tackles with 48. He was second on the team in tackles for loss with 6.5. He also had three sacks as a freshman. One of his best games that season was when he had a career-best 14 tackles in a win on the road against Delaware State.
The defensive line, which was WSSU's best unit the last two seasons, could also lose Stephen Young by the time next fall rolls around. Young is back at WSSU for the spring semester, but said he is still considering a transfer.
"I'm going to work on my grades and see what happens," said Young, who had shoulder surgery on Dec. 17 and is recovering.
jdell@wsjournal.com.
727-4081

Defensive lineman leaving WSSU

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