By Jalisa Bannerman
SMSB Journalist
Detroit King edge rusher Xavier Newsom is a promising young football player who has been gaining recognition as a quiet storm veteran of the Sound Mind Sound Body program.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 220 pounds, Newsom is a four-star athlete who always moves with the mindset of “treating every down like a fourth down.”
At the start of his junior year, Newsom set goals to improve his defense, specifically his start-offs, matchups, and attacking the quarterback. “Everything is going to come together this upcoming season, and everyone will see,” he shared confidently.
Although King lost to Mason in the Division 3 MHSAA Semifinals, Newsom remains optimistic that his third year in the SMSB program will set him up for a successful senior year on and off the field. “I’ve been in the program for two years. They have helped me with the way I get off the ball, but they also helped me get comfortable talking to other people. I am more mindful of my body language and staying on the right track with my classes.”
Newsom is a 3.1 athlete who has learned to apply the same amount of energy it takes for football into his academics. “Coach (Curtis) Blackwell helped me understand managing my time and helped me come up with a schedule. He had us write down our weekly tasks to stay organized, which really helped me with time management.”
Time management is essential for student-athletes, especially those challenged with prioritizing academics while on the road.
Newsom has become a highly sought-after college recruit, receiving nearly 20 offers in just one year. Power 5 schools, including Michigan, Penn State, Purdue, and Rutgers, have taken an interest in the elite player. Kent State also offered Newsom earlier this month following his Michigan visit.
Coach Blackwell, co-founder of the SMSB program, ensures that students are knowledgeable and well-informed before making decisions that will shape their future.
The No.3 player in the state for the class of 2025 also participates in the Talent Search program at Detroit King, facilitated by Sound Mind Sound Body. The program focuses on providing financial aid counseling, academic tutoring, 1on1 mentoring, and parent counseling and is funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
During the off-season and with the help of SMSB, Newsom is focused on getting ready for college and being the best person he can be.
About Sound Mind Sound Body Youth Association:
Sound Mind Sound Body (SMSB) is a proven platform that ensures students matriculate to post-secondary education by successfully prioritizing and balancing a unique curriculum that combines life skills, athleticism, and academics. STUDENT + ATHLETE + SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY + SOUND DECISION MAKING = SUCCESS.
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Jalisa Bannerman