Caylin Newton was not on the field as Howard lost to Bethune-Cookman 37-29 Saturday. Newton informed Howard officials Friday he would not play, as he considers his playing future that could include him entering the transfer protocol.
Newton won the 2018 MEAC Offensive Player of the Year award and was pegged the 2019 preseason MEAC Offensive Player of the Year. However, the Bison had a shaky first four games, including a 79-0 loss to the Maryland Terrapins. Their only win was last week against Delaware State to open their MEAC schedule.
Players are allowed to play a maximum of four games and still qualify for a redshirt season. Newton has already played four games. If he does decide to redshirt, he also would be eligible to transfer to another Division I program.
“He hasn’t officially made up his mind yet,” the source told the Undefeated of Newton. “This has caught everyone by surprise. All we know is that he’s not playing this weekend.”
Freshman Quinton Williams, formerly of Wise Sr. High School (MD), started in Newton’s place for Howard at quarterback Saturday. Williams completed 20-of-31 passes for 173 yards and three touchdowns.
The younger brother of Carolina Panthers’ Cam Netwon, Caylin exploded on the scene as a freshman in 2017, leading the Bison to one of the biggest upsets in college football history, beating UNLV as a 45-point underdog. He went on to win the MEAC Rookie of the Year and was named to the MEAC All-Conference second-team.
Newton duplicated his success, being named the 2018 MEAC Offensive Player and All-MEAC first team.
Newton has thrown for 5,876 yards and 41 touchdowns against 32 interceptions in 25 games at Howard. He also has 1,318 yards and 17 touchdowns rushing.
