Thursday Night's NFL Draft Takes on Local Flavor with Cam Newton

The barber known simply as “Shaq” to his customers at “Good Phellaz” barbershop on Cascade Road prefers not to recall Cam Newton as the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback who guided Auburn to the national championship last fall.

His fondest recollections of Newton extend further back, dating back to his days as a student at nearby when the amicable teenager spoke then of someday reaching stardom in professional football. His prophetic dream becomes reality this evening when the 2011 NFL Draft gets underway at Radio City Music Hall in New York, where Newton figures to hear his name called early on, perhaps even as the top overall selection.

“Shaq” didn’t sound the least bit surprised that the young man who sat in his chair predicting fame and fortune a few short years ago will soon be realizing his dream.

“I think he is amazingly talented and will be one of the greats,” Newton’s former barber said.

Should he be selected first overall, Newton would become the eighth Heisman-winning quarterback to hear his name called first since 1938.

That notoriety hasn’t exactly been a barometer of professional success, as only one Heisman-winning quarterback selected first in the draft went on to reach the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Notre Dame’s Paul Hornung reached Canton in 1986, but almost exclusively for his performance as a running back rather than a quarterback.

Overall, only eight Heisman Trophy winners have reached the Hall of Fame since the award was first handed out in 1935.

But locals from the area where Newton grew up sounded confident he would fare well, much like he first did for the Lions before doing so at the collegiate level.

The Newton family will be holding a NFL Draft viewing party beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Michon’s Restaurant located at 1583 Virginia Avenue in College Park.

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