By Josh Claywell
MaxPreps.com
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When you first meet Nate Newland, the Franklin County High School senior is quiet and reserved.
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Then after you get to know him, well, he's still reserved.
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"He's a pretty quiet kid," Franklin County coach Donny Walker said. "He doesn't run around or get in trouble. He's real reserved, real polite. He's a great kid and he's a joy to coach."
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On the football field, Newland, a highly-touted offensive lineman, lets his actions speak for themselves. Newland isn't one to talk trash to anyone, unless provoked by the opposition.
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"If my competition is hard I like to get inside their heads," Newland said. "If it's somebody I know I can handle I keep my mouth shut."
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When Newland is on the field, he knows what his job is: protecting senior quarterback Kaelin Ammons.
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"It feels good knowing that my backside isn't going to get hit too many times," Ammons said. "I'm pretty confident that I'm going to be protected this year."
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Walker said Newland has made significant progress each year he's been on the team. With each passing year Newland has captured the attention of many college teams, including a few high-level Division 1-A teams.
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Notre Dame was interested, but Newland said he hasn't heard much from the Fighting Irish. Now, Alabama, Arkansas, and Kentucky are three top suitors for Newland's services. Throw in Western Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky, two 1-AA schools showing a lot of interest in Newland.
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Newland doesn't know where he wants to go, but does know his education is the most important thing. His mom, Roselle, taught him that.
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"I want to go to whichever school gives me the best offer so I can get my education and play football," Newland said. "Education is first, then football. I'm using football to get my education."
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Newland has already had an official visit to Western, and said he came away with a good feeling. Newland got to meet a few Hilltopper players on his visit and came away with nothing but a positive vibe about the school.
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After watching game film from Franklin County's first game of the season, Newland noticed something was off when he went to block the defender. The senior said his blocking wasn't quite at the level it should be.
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"I've been working on it at home," Newland said. "I don't know whether it's my stance or what. I've been working on it and it's coming along."
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Newland lives with his mom and a younger sister. Newland also has an older sister and a younger brother. The brother and his dad, Fred, live in Georgetown.
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Newland said his mom has always been there for him, helping him achieve his dreams.
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"She's always on me," Newland said with a chuckle. "She keeps me going all the time. She cares a lot."
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Mrs. Newland is in the stands at every game, whether at home or on the road. Nate Newland said it's nice being able to hear her voice from the stands.
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"If I'm down she tells me to get up and keep going," Newland said.
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And that's the attitude he's brought to the Flyer football team. If you get knocked down, get up and dust yourself off and keep going.
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"It's been great to watch Nate grow," Walker said. "He goes full speed all the time. He's just got such an energy that the rest of the team can feed off."
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And that's what Walker will miss most when Newland graduates.
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"He brings out the best in people," Walker said. "I'm going to miss having that consistency. He's just got so many intangibles you're going to miss."
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Until that time comes, it's going to be the same quiet and reserved Newland letting his actions speak louder than his words.