2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Luke Newman, OT, Holy Cross

• Name: Luke Newman
• Position: Offensive Tackle
• College: Holy Cross
• Height: 6’4
• Weight: 305
• Twitter: @luke32newman
• Instagram: @luke.newman 

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft?

What sets me apart from other tackles across the country from a physical standpoint is my athleticism. I have extremely good feet and quickness that set up blocks much easier for me than for other tackles. From a mental, I believe my mindset is what enables me to be a dominant player up front. My thought process is that no matter who I’m up against, FCS or FBS, I’m going to win at the point of attack and do my job so that you can’t do yours. 

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

At roughly 10-11 years of age is when I remember becoming extremely interested, primarily from watching collegiate or professional games.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

Aside from being a hard worker and a disciplined individual which is what is required by all individuals to excel in this sport, I want front offices and ownership across the league to know that despite being a ruthless and aggressive force on the field, I am a respectable individual and a leader in my community and on my team that wants to promote a winning team culture and tries to bring his teammates up to those standards. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

World hunger 

What is the best advice you have ever received?

The best advice on football I’ve received is to focus mostly on improving flexibility and my mindset as those have been the building blocks to everything I’ve been able to accomplish so far on the field. The best advice on life I’ve received was to be kind to myself and not dwell on the past.

Who was your childhood hero?

My Dad, who not only taught me the values of hard work and discipline but taught me how to treat others with respect and to persevere through difficult times in life 

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

Matthew Kane is 100%. Despite going through three position changes and suffering a compound fracture early freshman year, he has been a big-time play-maker for our team coming up with huge sacks during crucial moments of our games on defense and always doing stellar work on special teams. His hard work and determination have been truly something to behold, and I’m excited to see him excel in a much bigger role for our team this upcoming season.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

People texting with their ringer on

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

Having to adjust to life as a student-athlete in college. Despite already being extremely undersized, having to adapt and grow as a student and as a player on a new team and new coach all during the pandemic which exhibited lengthy stays in the dorms and limited contact with family and friends which took severe tolls on my mental health. 

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

My school, although limited in size, has an extensive and proud network of alumni that continuously support our athletic programs and their endeavors. It’s also what makes Holy Cross so special, it feels like family in the way that despite our smaller array of alumni compared to that of other schools, paired with the best teammates and coaches in the world, Holy Cross feels like an extension of the home. 

What is your favorite snack food?

Toasted cheez-its 

What is the best part of football?

Being able to grow life-long friendships in ways many aren’t able to do, particularly through on-field competition.

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

I exhibit passion in my work whether it be on the field or off, and I do so with a positive attitude and attention to detail so that I may excel in all that I do.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

Tyler Linderbaum, although we play separate positions we have similar measurements and our play is very identical as a result of that, making up for size with great feet and athleticism to make blocks.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

James Hetfield, Keanu Reeves, and Conor McGregor. Aside from the impacts all three have had on my life, the stories I could hear from these guys can make for great conversation.