The beginning of the NCAA football season saw some of Newton County’s collegiate athletes have exceptional showings on Saturday. If there are any athletes that you feel deserve to be mentioned in our weekly coverage of some of the nation’s best from Newton County, email our sports editor Shakeen Holloway at sholloway@covnews.com.

Sheldin Rankins (Louisville) No. 98
Sept. 1
The game: 31-13 win vs. Miami
Stats: Two tackles, one sack
Year: Junior
High School: Eastside
Position: Defensive End
Height: 6-2
Weight: 305

Akeem Hunt (Purdue) No. 1
Aug. 30
The game: 43-34 win vs. Western Michigan
Stats: 15 carries, 78 yards, TD, two receptions for seven yards, two returns 43 yards
Year: Senior
High School: Newton
Position: Running Back
Height: 5-10
Weight: 183

Dante Blackmon (App. State) No. 24
Aug. 30
The game: 52-14 loss @ Michigan
Stats: Three tackles, one interception
Year: Sophomore
High School: Eastside
Position: Defensive Back
Height: 5-11
Weight: 185

Devon Edwards (Duke) No. 27
August. 30
The game: 52-13 win vs. Elon
Stats: Seven tackles, one pass breakup, two kickoff returns for 38 yards
Year: Redshirt sophomore
High School: Alcovy
Position: Safety/Cornerback
Height: 5-9
Weight: 175

Gary Wilkins (Furman) No. 35
August. 30
The game: 13-3 win vs. Gardner-Webb
Stats: SoCon defensive player of the week, five tackles, two and a half sacks, one forced fumble
Year: Redshirt senior
High School: Alcovy
Position: Defensive End
Height: 6-2
Weight: 236