Newsome ‘konfesses’: ‘I’m turning heads’

Jamar Newsome was a staple at wide receiver for the Knights for the past three seasons, leading the Knights in receiving touchdowns and yards per catch in 2010.

Newsome started at wide receiver in the slot  for The Nation in a 13-7 loss against Texas in the Texas vs. The Nation (NFLPA) game on Saturday.

Although Newsome lost a fumble on a kick return in the first half, he displayed fluid route-running skills throughout the game and impressed NFL scouts all during the week.

Newsome was even mentioned by Sporting News writer Russ Lande as leaving a ‘good impression' on NFL scouts due to his quick feet, athleticism and sharp route running.

After the game, Newsome caught up with the Central Florida Future and talked about his road to the NFL draft in April.

Central Florida Future: How would you describe your experience in Texas?

Jamar Newsome: Well, today didn't go as planned. We lost. A lot of it was because we only had a week of preparation. You got to learn who the guys are, a whole new playbook, and play with guys you've never played with before. I had a really strong week, but the game didn't go as planned. I'm grateful that scouts got the chance to see me perform throughout the week and the weekend. I just wish things could have gone better today. I'm moving on to the Combine [in late February].

CFF: It seems like the ball didn't really come your way.

Newsome: Yeah. Not at all.

CFF: What about that fumble? You never had a fumble at UCF.

Newsome: Never. I think I might have fumbled one time at practice, but never in a game situation. It was tough, and I was really upset about that. I was just hoping to get the ball in my hands again just so I can make up for that. It was just an unfortunate play. I'm not getting down about it. You just have some plays that you wish you can take back and that's one of them. I'm really happy about my week as a whole though, so I'm not going to let that fumble get to me. I'm just going to continue to push forward and get back to UCF to train.

CFF: You're training at UCF?

Newsome: Yes, I'm taking a different approach from my teammates [Bruce Miller and Jah Reid]. I'm one of those people who are blessed with natural talent when it comes to testing and stuff. I think I have a strong vertical, my 40 is really good. So what I've been doing has already been working for me. So I don't want to go anywhere to change anything up. A lot of guys go away to train so someone can push them. My driving force is myself. I know exactly what I need to do to get results.

CFF: What would you say are the advantages of training at UCF?

Newsome: Well, it's definitely comforting. Plus we have the Pro Day here in March and I'll be comfortable and familiar with where I need to perform. I just thought I was only going to have a Pro Day and then I got a phone call from Indianapolis and I found out that I was going to the combine.

CFF: So was the Combine invite a surprise to you?

Newsome: Yeah, it was. Coach [George] O'Leary said I was one of the guys that was on the "bubble list" to get invited. Something happened and it worked out in my favor. Getting that call from Indianapolis was a blessing.

CFF: So where's your 40 time at now?

Newsome: Well last week, me, Brian Watters and Kamar Aiken were out there at UCF getting timed. I ran two 40s, and both times I ran it I clocked at 4.31 [seconds] and had two different people timing it. It was hand-timed and all, so it might be a little off. Hopefully at the Combine I run a high 4.3 or a low 4.4.

CFF: This is a random question, but your nickname is ‘Konfess.' Why is that?

Newsome: Haha, ‘Konfess' is my line name for my fraternity. You get it by the type of person you are and I'm really truthful and blunt about things.

CFF: Interesting. So why with a ‘K' and not a ‘C'?

Newsome: I'm a Kappa and everyone's line name starts with ‘K'. Like I have line brothers named ‘Khaos', ‘Krush', and ‘Kasual'. It's cool. So that's why ‘Konfess' is everywhere. It's actually my license plate.

CFF: What was your biggest highlight of the week?

Newsome: I had the opportunity to interview with ten NFL teams throughout this past week based on my practices. That was my biggest parts of the week — the NFL teams getting a chance to meet you and spend time to meet you. They evaluate your personality and character and test your knowledge of the game.

CFF: Which ten teams?

Newsome: I'd rather not say. It's kind of confidential for both our sake, but I will say that I turned some heads this week and it was definitely an experience.

CFF: But I thought you were ‘Konfess'?

Newsome: Haha. You're good. I'm just going to say that my goal is to just get the opportunity to be on a team and show them what I have to offer.