Newton Officially Named Illinois’ 22nd Consensus All-American

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton has been named a Consensus All-American, the NCAA officially announced Thursday. Newton cemented his place as one of the all-time greats in Illinois history as the program’s 22nd Consensus All-American and the 13th since 1950. 

With four All-America first-team selections of the five official All-America teams (AFCA, AP, FWAA, Sporting News), Newton will be honored forever at Illinois with a plaque in Grange Grove, a banner in the Great West Hall of Memorial Stadium, and his jersey hung in the Smith Center staircase. 

Newton is the second Illini defender to earn Consensus All-American honors in as many years, following DB Devon Witherspoon becoming the program’s 21st all-time Consensus selection last season. It is the first time Illinois has had back-to-back seasons with Consensus…