Newton Named One of Nine Lott IMPACT Trophy Semifinalists

NEWPORT BEACH, CA. – The Pacific Club IMPACT® Foundation has named nine semifinalists for the 2023 Lott IMPACT® Trophy, including Illinois All-American DT Jer’Zhan Newton.

Newton has been one of the top defenders in the nation in 2023. Entering Saturday’s game against Indiana, Newton is the national leader in QB pressures among interior defenders with 33, according to PFF. He leads Big Ten defensive tackles by 10 pressures with the next closest being Ohio State’s Michael Hall Jr. (23).

Newton has also been one of the most durable interior defenders in the nation, as he leads all Power-5 defensive tackles in snaps played with 531 (59.0 per game). Newton has played 46 more snaps than any other Big Ten interior defensive lineman, even after missing the first half at Minnesota.

Newton’s two biggest games have come against two of Illinois’ best…