Portland State's Cru Newman has discovered the benefits of diversification. A redshirt freshman this past season, Newman came to PSU as a quarterback in 2024. However, he excelled as an all-purpose talent during the 2025 season, earning FCS Football Central Freshman All-American honors as an all-purpose player.
 
The fourth annual team recognized 62 players from across the FCS subdivision and Newman is the third Viking in the last three seasons to earn the honor.
 
A 6-foot, 185-pounder from Portland's Central Catholic High School, Newman was the Oregon 6A Offensive Player of the Year as a quarterback in 2023.
 
Following a redshirt season in 2024, Newman has stepped into a role as a kick returner and wide receiver for PSU. He led the Vikings in all-purpose yards with 1,041 in 2025.
 
Newman made 35 kick returns for 651 yards during the season. He added 29 receptions for 302 yards and 12 rushes for 70 yards. In a game against Weber State, Newman returned five kicks for 91 yards, completed one pass attempt for five yards, rushed twice for 12 yards, caught three passes for 50 yards and even made a tackle. He also earned honorable mention All-Big Sky honors as a kick returner.
 
Previous Vikings to be named Freshman All-American were running back Delon Thompson in 2024 and linebacker Michael Montgomery in 2023.
 
The Complete FCS Football Central All-American Team