SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Mekhi Newman brings track speed to the football field at the next level.

He ran in four events at the 2025 IHSA Class 3A State Track Meet for Springfield High.

He garnered interest from colleges despite playing his first snaps of high school football as a sophomore, but it’s a sport he quickly adapted to.

“The moment I started playing football, I feel like I loved it, and I was going to try and pursue football,” Newman said. “I feel like I’ve made a lot of people proud, especially my family and my teammates, who I couldn’t have done it without.”

“He’s legit, what you are looking for in a football player,” Springfield High head football coach Jon Hebb said. “He’s coachable, he holds himself accountable, he holds his teammates accountable.” “His teammates have respect for him, while he gives respect to his teammates.” “He’s kind of an extension of the coaching staff on the field and has been since game one of his junior year.”

Springfield looks to get back to the playoffs again after finishing last season with a 5-5 record.