When Fort Collins Unified defenseman Brett Newman was a freshman, opposing teams tried to take advantage of his youth, as he helped lead the Vipers to the 2007 Colorado state title.

By the time Newman was a sophomore, they learned their lesson.

“They went after him like crazy during that state-title run,” Fort Collins Unified head coach Carey Smith said. “Last year, they stayed away from him.”

Newman is now a junior, and he has already verbally committed to play NCAA Division I lacrosse at Ohio State University. Newman in the earliest commit in the history of Fort Collins lacrosse and the first junior from the program to ever give a verbal commitment.

“He’s got an enormous amount of experience in big games,” Smith said. “He’s a very smart player, a confident kid, and he uses his strengths well. It’s like having Champ Bailey on your side. He takes away that guy, and you don’t have to worry about it.”

Smith said that expects Newman to excel at the college level when he arrives for the 2011 season.

“We’re really excited,” Smith added. “He’s still got two seasons to get better, but I think he’s going to fit in really well. He’s got the talent to play at that next level.”