COVINGTON, Ga. -- Newton’s Myron Middlebrooks has had one topsy-turvy high school football career. And that career ended abruptly when he suffered a collarbone injury in a region game with then-No.2 Archer — a game that Newton led 12-0 at the time of the injury.
Nevertheless, Middlebrooks persevered. Despite discouragement from seeing some recruiting attention dry up after the injury, the 6-foot-3 senior committed to Jacksonville University Thursday evening.
After announcing his commitment on Twitter, Middlebrooks took time to talk with The Covington News sports editor, Gabriel Stovall about his Jacksonville pledge.
Stovall: You’ve been through a lot in your high school career, including position changes and untimely injuries. Given that, what does it mean to you to be able to continue your career in college?
Middlebrooks: “It really means a lot to be able to continue my career at the next level, especially with the setbacks and all that I’ve encountered. I mean, it really means a lot.”
Stovall: What was it about Jacksonville that made you decide to go that route? What place/position are they looking to plug you into?
Middlebrooks: “Jacksonville was really consistent in keeping in contact with me and always making sure that I was doing good in school, not just on the field, but academically. As far as my playing on the field, they want to try me as an athlete at multiple positions to utilize my athleticism.”
Stovall: What was the most challenging moment of your high school career? What was the most challenging moment of your senior season?
Middlebrooks: “The most challenging thing throughout high school was just being able to manage my school life and my athletic life, as they sometimes seemed to intertwine. But as far as my senior season, the toughest thing about that was knowing that there are no more years left, and that this season was the last chance I had to do something with my teammates.”
Stovall: What are you planning to study at Jacksonville?
Middlebrooks: “I’m planning on studying electrical engineering while at Jacksonville.”
Stovall: We know former Newton basketball star JD Notae is there now. Had you reached out to him at all about your decision?
Middlebrooks: “Yeah, I text messaged JD and told him that I committed on the night I did. I know he’ll be excited to have another Newton alum there.”
Stovall: How has being at Newton prepared you for success at the collegiate level?
Middlebrooks: “Newton has really done everything for me, from academics to molding me from a young boy to a young man. They really have done so much for me here at Newton.”
