Photo by: Kelly Gorham
BOBCATS 125: Chad Newell
7/10/2022 2:00:00 PM | Football
A bruising running back, Chad Newell was a star on special teams as well
Chad Newell, RB, 2013-16
ALL-TIME TEAM: None previously
HONORS: 2nd Team All-Big Sky fullback in 2016, 3rd Team All-Big Sky running back in 2015, 1st Team All-Big Sky special teams in 2014, 2nd Team All-Big Sky special teams in 2013
A CLOSER LOOK: Chad Newell's route at Montana State was always uphill, and his career began at the tail end of the DeNarius McGhee dynasty and ended with Jeff Choate's turbulent first season as head coach. Through it all Newell was a steady performer entirely committed to the success of the team.
A walk-on who was overcoming a high school basketball injury, Newell found a role as a short-yardage back and special teams ace as a redshirt freshman in 2013. He carried 17 times for 90 yards that season, earning 2nd Team All-Big Sky Special Teams honors. A year later his role expanded slightly, and he carried 97 times for 487 yards. In spite of being the team's best short yardage ball carrier he somehow found himself as a secondary option in that role, but still scored eight touchdowns. Newell found his groove as a junior in 2015, sliding into the starting running back role and leading the team with 831 rushing yards. He carried 202 times for 1,691 yards in his final two seasons, scoring 20 touchdowns in those two campaigns while continuing to contribute on kick teams. He gave his most stunning performance in the 2015 playoffs, rushing for 115 yards and five touchdowns in a home loss to South Dakota State.
FROM TEAMMATE WEST WILSON: "Chad is actually one of the goofiest dudes I've ever met. The first time I got in his car he played Good Charlotte, which was a super cool punk band when we were in elementary school. He's always mellow and calm person to be around but turned into a freak of nature on the football field. A leader who is super approachable is hard to find, and he was definitely one of those."
FROM FORMER BOBCAT HEAD COACH JEFF CHOATE: "Chad was the heart and soul of that 2016 team. He was tough as nails, led by example, did all the little things."
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