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Meddaugh, Newman Dominate Line

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By SCOTT PURKS

Tribune correspondent

Published: September 4, 2008

TAMPA - For years Robinson has loved to run left, left, left ...

"It's just the way we like to go," Robinson coach Mike DePue said. "Left!"

This year they should love it even more because on the left side of the line are two of the biggest, toughest, strongest and most relentless linemen the Knights have ever had: sophomore guard Andrew Meddaugh and senior tackle Mike Newman, who are 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, and 6-3 and 270 respectively.

Oh yeah, they also bench press more than 350 pounds and squat nearly 500.

"Awesome potential," DePue said. "Truly awesome."

Newman, whose cousin is former Jefferson High and NFL linebacker Keith Newman, has the quicker feet of the two, while Meddaugh has more of the brute strength.

Both love to run defenders over.

"I like to tear them up," Newman said. "Teeaarr them up!"

Meddaugh said, "I like playing guard because it gives me more of a chance to lay out a linebacker. I love to hit linebackers."

DePue said the best thing about Meddaugh and Newman is they show up every day for practice "and get after it."

"These are a couple of guys who never take a play off," DePue said. "I mean on every play they give it everything they have. You never have to tell Andrew and Mike to try harder. Never. It's just the way they are."

Off the field you would have a hard time finding two more soft-spoken, gentle giants.

"They pretty much kind of stay to the sides, taking everything in," DePue said. "Seeing them off the field you might not think they would have the football mind-set. But I assure you they do. They are extremely aggressive. Hey, football is a violent game, and they love to play the game the way it's supposed to be played."

DePue said both Meddaugh and Newman have Division I talent, but nothing has been set at the college level. Meddaugh, of course, still has three high school seasons ahead of him before he has to make any decision.

For now the focus is on turning Robinson around from last year's 1-9 season, one of the most frustrating the Knights have had in a long time.

"This group we have now is one of the best I've had in my 30 years as an assistant and a head coach at Robinson," DePue said. "The kids are all focused and dedicated, and Andrew and Mike are a perfect example of where we're heading."

Newman and Meddaugh couldn't agree more.

"We just want to go out and start playing," Meddaugh said. "We want to show people what we can do."

Newman said, "I know we're ready for a great season."

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