Jackson State quarterback Jared Lockhart says his relationship with former NFL MVP Cam Newton is so tight he could call him up today. Think about that for a second! Most of us had childhood heroes we watched from a distance, but Lockhart's got the guy who led the Carolina Panthers to Super Bowl 50 on speed dial. That kind of access, that kind of personal coaching, is shaping a young QB who's already showing he's ready for the big stage. It's not just some old story, it's the foundation of everything he's building for the Tigers.
The MVP Blueprint: How Cam Newton Built a Quarterback
This isn't some casual acquaintance, folks. Newton mentored Lockhart through his youth football program, way before Lockhart even dreamed of Jackson State. Lockhart wasn't just on his 7-on-7 team; he spent time at Newton's home, soaking up knowledge that went beyond the playbook. We're talking about a guy who won the Heisman Trophy at Auburn and took the league by storm, personally feeding a kid, making sure he was good, and teaching him how to *be* a quarterback. "Just growing up, getting that knowledge from him, being able to stay at his crib, it just taught me a lot," Lockhart said. "He taught me a lot. He made sure I was good, fed me and just tried to model my game after him." For a kid growing up in Charlotte, watching Newton dominate, what a natural mentor! Newton himself has said his 7-on-7 program is all about positively affecting young athletes, and Lockhart is living proof.Sophomore Year, Championship Dreams
Lockhart carried all that prep work into a monster freshman season at Jackson State. He balled out, appearing in seven games and making five starts. His stat line was legit: 76 of 113 passes completed for 1,187 yards, eight touchdowns, and only three interceptions. Plus, he added 189 rushing yards and three more scores on the ground, snagging SWAC co-Freshman of the Year honors. That's not just good, that's electric. And it wasn't just Newton's wisdom; Lockhart also credited former Jackson State starter Jacobian Morgan for helping him adjust to leading the Tigers' offense, specifically with his attention to detail, preparation, and character. It wasn't an easy road either, with a knee injury in his senior year messing up a planned commitment to Syracuse. But Jackson State stuck with him through his hospitalization, and their persistence ultimately brought him home. Now, heading into his sophomore season, Lockhart has one thing on his mind: getting Jackson State back to the SWAC Championship Game. The pressure is on, and the lessons from his childhood mentor aren't just a fun anecdote; they are actively shaping how he's tackling the challenge ahead.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.