Newsome's O'Neal commits to Wisconsin
Newsome two-way lineman Conor O'Neal has committed to Wisconsin, Wolves coach Ken Hiscock confirmed to the Times Monday afternoon.
O'Neal, a Times All-Suncoast first teamer, made an official visit to Wisconsin on Dec. 12. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound senior chose the Badgers over Boston College and N.C. State, which he just visited this past weekend. O'Neal also had scholarship offers from Buffalo, Michigan State and Georgia Southern.
"I really liked the coaches," O'Neal said. "They're a good group of guys, a family-oriented group of guys. And I like what (head) coach (Bret) Bielema has done over there the past couple of years."
As the Wolves' starting center, O'Neal helped pave the way for one of the county's top rushing attacks. The Wolves ran for a total of 2,044 yards last year. On defense, Newsome -- which finished the season 9-3 and won a district title -- had three shutouts and allowed 13.75 points a game.
"This is great for him and for the program," Hiscock said.
The Badgers recruited O'Neal to play defensive tackle in college.
"I played both ways in high school," O'Neal said. "I like playing d-line. I like playing o-line. I'll play whatever gets me to college."
-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA
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