In-state DL Mykah Newton signs with Miami Hurricanes: 'Miami has been literally the best thing ever'
Newberry (Fla.) three-star defensive tackle Mykah Newton’s decision to flip from NC State in mid-August to Miami wasn’t the easiest one he’s made, but the 6-foot-4, 250-pound prospect never doubted it was the right one.
The No. 901 overall prospect and one of two Miami defensive tackle commits is confirmed to have signed his National Letter of Intent to formally complete his flip from NC State, who he committed to July 18 before flipping to Miami almost one month later. Newton visited Miami for the first time within eight days of being offered July 23 and committed Aug. 16.
Miami emerged as a true contender after Newton took official visits to Michigan State, NC State, UCF and UConn, although he immediately shut down his recruitment after announcing his pledge.
“I felt like Miami was the perfect place for me because it fits me,” Newton told CaneSport after his commitment. “The coaching staff just fits who I am, and they’re very humble people. They know that there’s still room for improvement in anything, no matter if they’re perfect at it. They all have a goal, and they really fit my personality. Also, the legacy in Miami is amazing, and I just feel at home.”
Newton returned to Miami for the Hurricanes’ game against Florida State and continually reaffirmed his pledge, telling CaneSport on multiple occasions he couldn’t wait to be a Hurricane.
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“I feel amazing about it,” Newton said in late October about his decision. “Miami has been literally the best thing ever. They’ve been even checking up on my mom and making sure she’s good with everything. My mom is the most important thing to me ever, so that alone is very important, and I love it.”
Newton was viewed as a high-motor player with tremendous upside and a versatile skillset thanks to his background as a defensive end before moving to defensive tackle this fall. Newberry head coach Ed Johnson recognized he would likely play defensive tackle in college and didn’t hesitate to move his hyper-athletic defensive lineman inside.
Newton increased his weight to 272 pounds this fall, which Johnson said benefitted him.
“His best attribute is his get off, but he also has that from his experience playing on the edge, that wiggle room and then getting to the one-on-one block and (being able to) defeat it,” Johnson said. “That was a big part of (Newton moving from the edge to interior defensive line). We knew colleges looked at him as an interior guy, so everybody’s going to want him to play there so we might as well give him a head start on him now.”
CaneSport’s Take
Newton may have the best pure motor of any front seven player in Miami’s 2025 class, which shouldn’t be taken lightly. If he continues to add weight but keeps his current explosiveness, he could be a name to know in future years.
