It’s a sunny day in Southern California and a gentle wind blows against Elijah Newby’s face. The breeze cools the sweat particles forming on his forehead, it’s way hotter here than in Connecticut. It’s his first time in LA and it’s nothing like the city of angels as people describe. Streets are littered with trash, traffic is slow and people are living like sardines. Nevertheless, nothing can quell his excitement.
It’s the summer before his senior year of high school and he’s on his first official visit to USC. He meets the staff, takes photos in his prospective jersey then tours the Coliseum. Days later, despite having three more official visits scheduled, he came to a conclusion.
“I made up my mind I was coming to USC.”
But before his commitment and his 31 Division 1 offers, Newby’s path to athletic success was filled with challenges and pivotal decisions that tested his resolve at every turn.
Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, a city known for its parks rather than athletes, Newby was a competitor since birth. He started his athletic journey in karate at age five and was a natural talent. He competed competitively for years until age 14 winning several competitions and advanced to brown belt. Although he was a skilled karateka, his heart longed for another sport, basketball.
Young Newby had dreams of becoming a professional basketball player. He spent days outside playing basketball until the sun went down and he was drenched in sweat.
“Back then I wanted to play in the NBA. My mom would have to drag me home from the basketball court all the time,” said Newby.
Although he had dreams of committing to Duke and playing in the NBA, his family friend had other plans. For years his dad’s best friend implored him to play organized football but his mom was hesitant due to the roughness of the sport. At age 12, their family friend’s persistence paid off and Newby was signed up.
The moment he stepped on the turf was a feeling like no other, he felt at home. He started as a tight end before he was moved to wide receiver the next game. In his first season in this new sport, he scored 16 touchdowns.
“It was a confidence booster for sure,” Newby said. “I felt like I could make it far after that season and that nobody was on my level.”
Despite her initial reluctance, Newby’s mom was happy his time was occupied with something positive. “I knew it was either the streets sucked you up or gonna be a success, and I told him the streets can’t have you baby.”
She made many sacrifices to keep Eli busy to ensure he was focused on the right things. “I kept him busy by being available to take him wherever he needed to go as far as games, practices…I was a team mom and when he played football I transported him and any of his teammates.”
Having such a strong support system in the early stages of his athletic career made him want to be a better athlete for his family. It encouraged him to work harder and fostered his goal to play in the NFL. When he realized he wanted to play professionally, he knew he needed to go to a high school where he could grow his talents.
His freshman year he enrolled in a technical school which was quite demanding. After long days at school and tough practices, Eli would work jobs as part of his education. Technical school prepares students for trade style jobs like plumbing, carpentry and woodwork. Instead of normal academic classes the entire school year, they would have trade classes bi-weekly.
The following year he switched to a catholic school.
At catholic school, he found himself more spiritually awakened due to mass services and religion classes integrated in his school days. Even though Newby benefited religiously, it wasn’t in line with his athletic goals so he reclassified and transferred to a college preparatory school, Cheshire Academy.
Switching to prep school was one of the hardest transitions for him. His family didn’t initially agree since it was 40 minutes away and boarding school meant he would live there.
Furthermore, it meant he had to start over again. Each transition he sacrificed first-year friendships that he barely had time to cement and familiar surroundings. Every move took an emotional toll on him.
“The biggest thing that I sacrificed throughout my journey was some of my social life in an aspect because going from school to school, I gained and lost a lot of relationships.”
Throughout this process, his family was the pillar in which he found his strength.
“My why is a combination of my family and where I come from. I remember situations my parents were in and how they always shined a light on them,” said Newby. “Where I come from doesn’t have crazy opportunities, so when you make it out it’s a big deal in the community. When we were young my mom always told us we’re bound for success regardless of the decisions you make.”
Having unwavering support from his family allowed him to come to Cheshire eager and ready to learn. During his time there he played three different positions on defense for the first time and never complained. He worked hard in the classroom and on the field, earning the title of captain voted by his teammates.
His performance at Cheshire didn’t go unnoticed by his advisor and coach Bill Mella.
“Aside from being a tremendous athlete and highly coveted recruit… Eli is a tremendous young man and human being. He cares about others. He is a leader. He is genuine in his interactions and respectful of others. His smile and personality are infectious, people want to be around him. He is simply one of my favorite young men I have been blessed to get to work with.”
His magnetic personality and work ethic caught the attention of college coaches too because that season, offers started to roll in. When he received his first offer from Texas Tech, he was elated.
“When I got my first offer, I don’t think I ever smiled harder cause I worked so hard for that moment. We pretty much put everything we had into a moment like that, especially because we took so many risks. I called my mom and it was definitely an emotional moment for us,” Newby said. “I definitely was jumping around my room after that call and I might have shed some tears.”
That moment reassured Newby his efforts and all the sacrifices he and his parents made were worth it. It dispelled any fears he had of being in the wrong place. Shortly after his first offer, the rest flowed like water. By that summer he had 31 colleges to choose from and was ranked fifth in Connecticut for the class of 2024.
June 2nd he took his official visit to USC and just seven days later, he committed.
“I knew that no place could really beat USC with academics and athletic standpoint. I knew [USC] would make me evolve into my better self on and off the field,” he said.
Newby joins a recruiting class looking to rebuild USC’s defense. Last season the Trojans finished 6th in the PAC-12 with an 8-5 record overall. Many fans blame the defensive poor play. Defensive Coordinator Alex Grinch was fired with 2 games left in the regular season and UCLA’s Defensive Coordinator D’Anton Lynn was hired in the spring.
Some fans are hesitant if the new coach will bring real change since he has no experience in the Big Ten, but Newby is not worried about the current mindset surrounding USC’s defense. He’s confident his versatility and skillset will only add to the program.
In an interview, USC Football Head Coach Lincoln Riley highlighted the qualities he’s excited to see Newby bring to the defense. “He has pretty rare athleticism and speed for a guy with his size and length.”
Sports journalist Eric Lambkins II echoed his sentiments, “he has good eye discipline and plays with discipline…he’s patient in coverage and plays with leverage.”
Mentor Nick Rita who worked with Newby for six years said this athleticism is what propelled him to the next level. “I’ve seen him make countless sacrifices, to do everything he could to put himself in the best position to overcome adversity and challenges…not only is he extremely coachable but he takes pride in learning the aspects of the game that will pay off for his future, not only with others but with himself which will allow him to level up and be the best he can be in everything he does.”
Newby has come a long way from Bridgeport and although one chapter of his life is closing, he’s looking forward to his future, something he has spent his entire life working hard for.
Seeing her big brother achieve his goals inspires his little sister Alexia. “I feel very excited that he’s making it in life and achieving his goals, it motivates me to want to do better.”
Now that Newby’s officially a Trojan his hard work doesn’t stop now. Aside from establishing his presence at the collegiate level, he aims to motivate young athletes aspiring to play Division 1 football as he knows firsthand the journey is challenging.
Newby’s advice to young athletes aspiring to play Division 1 sports.