Newton’s Early Coaching Shapes Lockhart’s Freshman Success

From Youth Field to Powerhouse Mentor

Jared Lockhart grew up in Charlotte looking up to Cam Newton as more than a distant hero. He played on Newton’s 7‑on‑7 team, stayed overnight at Newton’s home, and says the former NFL MVP fed him and taught him the fundamentals of the game. “He made sure I was good, fed me and just tried to model my game after him,” Lockhart recalled. Today he says the bond is strong enough that he could call Newton at any time.

Lockhart’s Breakout Freshman Season

At Jackson State, the young quarterback did not linger on the sidelines. He appeared in seven games, started five, and posted a 76‑for‑113 passing line for 1,187 yards with eight touchdowns and three interceptions. He also rushed for 189 yards and three scores, earning SWAC co‑Freshman of the Year honors. Former Jackson State starter Jacobian Morgan helped Lockhart adjust to leading the Tigers’ offense with his own focus on preparation.

Injury, Recruiter Persistence, and a HBCU Home

A knee injury during his senior year derailed a planned commitment to Syracuse, yet Jackson State kept recruiting him while he lay in the hospital. Lockhart credits the school’s persistence and the warm welcome during his official visit for turning his mind toward Jackson as home. Cam Newton’s own rise—from Heisman winner at Auburn to Super Bowl 50 champion with the Carolina Panthers—provides the backdrop for why his youth program mattered to a player weighing his future.

Current Goals and the Legacy of Mentoring

Now entering his sophomore season, Lockhart is set to lead Jackson State with his eyes on the SWAC Championship Game. The early lessons from Newton are no longer just story material; they shape his approach under pressure and his view of leadership. As HBCU football continues to develop talent, the ripple effect of mentorship like Newton’s remains a key factor in the sport’s growth.