Oct. 3 - 9, 2022

Jer'Zhan "Johnny" Newton | SO., Football | Major: Recreation, Sport, & Tourism

Illinois extended its winning streak to four games with a 9-6 victory over Iowa at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 8. It marked the program's first win over the Hawkeyes since 2008. 

Sophomore defensive lineman Jer'Zhan "Johnny" Newton led the nation's No. 1 scoring defense with seven tackles, including 2.5 for loss, bringing his team-leading total to 33 tackles on the season following the win over Iowa. 

"I always knew we had the athletes," said Newton. "Coach Walters came with the schemes, and we're really just executing his defense. It feels really good. Honestly, we have bigger dreams than just winning these games. I feel we could go to college football playoffs. Honestly, that's where we want to be, so we've just got to keep pushing every week."

Newton is a sophomore from Clearwater, Fla., studying Recreation, Sport, & Tourism. 

º2022-23 Scholar Athlete of the Week Winners