Illinois Illini News: Newton earns another award, DeVito wins again

NThis week in Illinois Illini News: Jer’Zhan Newton is an All-American, and Tommy DeVito leads the Giants to another victory. 

Illinois defensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton continues to accumulate postseason accolades. The Big Ten named him the Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year two weeks ago. Next week came the various All-America selections. The Athletic, CBS, Pro Football Focus, Sports Illustrated, and USA Today selected the Florida native as a First Team All-American. Newton led Big Ten defensive tackles — and was second overall — in sacks.

He also led Power Five defensive tackles in quarterback pressures. His 44 pressures led the Big Ten. Newton, however, was not the only Illinois player with postseason accolades. Isaia  Willams was an All-Big Ten First-Team selection as well. Williams led the conference in receptions and finished second in receiving yards.

The Legend of Tommy DeVito continues. 

Also in Illinois Illini news: The internet, specifically Twitter, loves former Illinois quarterback Tommy DeVito:

Tommy DeVito: Former New Jersey high school football quarterback is one of the NFL's stories of the year. 🔥

Media darling won a state championship at Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey and has the Giants in the playoff hunt. 🏈

✍️: https://t.co/89vNHfCZ7o pic.twitter.com/ibmp6gcZ7N

— MaxPreps (@MaxPreps) December 15, 2023

Tommy DeVito could go from Giants savior to Daniel Jones’ nightmare | Politi https://t.co/IUajqOVS9a

— SIAdvance (@siadvance) December 15, 2023

The former Illinois standout has won his last three starts with the Giants, throwing for 856 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions in those games. Of all his accomplishments in his young career, DeVito has seemed to win over the Giants locker room. Star running back Saquan Barkley said the following after DeVito was named the starting quarterback:  “You’re an undrafted kid from New Jersey living the dream. Go out there, have fun; you’ve got everyone’s support.”

After they beat the Packers, Barkley followed those comments up by also calling DeVito a “gamer.” He even gave the Syracuse transfer a nickname, “Tommy Cutlets.”

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