Kevin Newsome Class: Sophomore Hometown: Portsmouth, Va. High School: Hargrave Military Academy Height / Weight: 6-2 / 225 Position: QB Experience: SO H.S. Coach: Robert Prunty

Several times a day, the pre-Christmas quiet at the Hilton Daytona Beach Hotel would be pleasantly broken by the sound of a grand piano on the second floor. When there was an opportunity before or after practice, meals and position meetings, Kevin Newsome honed his skills and entertained his teammates and coaches with his elegant piano playing. A young man with a vibrant personality and infectious smile, Newsome enjoys playing when the opportunity arises. Having arrived on the Penn State campus in January 2009, the highly-regarded player last year had the luxury of knowing he was going to spend 12 months learning from a first-team All-Big Ten quarterback in Daryll Clark. He also knew that he needed to quickly get assimilated and comfortable with the offense with a long-term eye toward 2010, but sooner in order to gain some game experience while Clark still was guiding the team. The athletic, vastly talented and intelligent Newsome has made substantial progress during the past year and is working hard to put himself into position to challenge for a more significant role this year. Newsome and Matt McGloin battled throughout spring practice and a decision on who will be the Nittany Lions' starting quarterback won't be made until closer to the season-opener. A U.S. Army All-American at Hargrave Military Academy, Newsome is an improved passer and a quick and elusive runner. He has great work-ethic and is a physical, instinctive player with a strong arm. One of the nation's most highly-recruited prep players, he has quickly adapted and embraced what it takes to be a successful Penn State student-athlete, on and off the field and has a very promising future. Newsome is an engaging and enthusiastic player, whose confidence and skills will effectively translate into the huddle. A state champion hurdler in Virginia, Newsome is one of three returning Nittany Lions -- joining Evan Hailes and Chima Okoli -- in the long line of Tidewater Region standouts that have matriculated to Penn State under Joe Paterno.

2009 Freshman Season
Newsome played in 10 games and made substantial progress during his first year as a Nittany Lion. The top reserve to first-team All-Big Ten choice Daryll Clark, Newsome completed 8-of-11 passes (72.7) for 66 yards, with a long completion of 14 yards during his true freshman season. He was fifth on the squad with 95 rushing yards, averaging 4.8 yards on his 20 attempts, and scoring twice. Newsome made his Penn State debut in the season-opener with Akron, going 3-of-4 for 26 yards and gaining 12 yards on two carries. He had a 15-yard burst in the win over Temple and a 16-yard run in the victory at Illinois. Newsome gained a season-high 49 yards on seven carries against Eastern Illinois, scoring his first career touchdown on a nine-yard run. He also established season-highs in passing against the Panthers, going 4-of-5 for 34 yards. Newsome carried the ball three times for 13 yards and a touchdown in the win at Michigan State to conclude the regular-season. He was on the field for 50 snaps and was among eight true freshmen to see time for the Nittany Lions.

High School
Newsome was one of the nation's top prep quarterbacks for Coach Robert Prunty at Hargrave Military Academy as a senior. Scout.com ranked Newsome the No. 10 quarterback in the nation and he was selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American game. Rivals.com rated him among the Top 40 prep players in the nation. During his junior season at Western Branch HS in Chesapeake, he threw for more than 1,600 yards and 12 touchdowns and ran for more than 500 yards and 11 scores. A captain of the track and field team, Newsome was an accomplished sprinter and hurdler. He was a two-time hurdles state champion, being ranked No. 5 in the nation and earning All-America honors. He finished 10th at the Virginia state championships as the only freshman in the field. Newsome also excelled in the classroom at Western Branch, compiling a 3.7 grade-point average and serving as president of his junior class. He also was a member of the National Honor Society.

Personal
Full name is Kevin Leonardo Newsome Jr. He is the son of Kevin and Theresa Newsome. Newsome has an older brother, Tory, and younger brother, Keevon. His father was a running back at Saint Paul's College. Newsome is an avid piano player and enjoys playing for others. He would like to pursue a career as a sports agent. Born January 21, 1991 in Portsmouth, Va.