BRENHAM -- Blinn College head football coach Brad Franchione announced that University of Florida backup quarterback Cameron Newton transferred to Blinn College intending to play for the Buccaneers after being granted redshirt status as a sophomore for the 2008 season.

Newton, a 6’6”, 234 lb., dual-threat quarterback from Atlanta Westlake, was a five-star recruit in 2006 as ranked by rivals.com. As a freshman at Florida, Newton played in five games backing up eventual Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. This past season, Newton played in Florida’s season opener with Hawaii before injuring his ankle. He also sustained a neck injury in an automobile accident last fall.

Newton will vie for the Bucs’ starting quarterback position being vacated by All-American Terrance Cain who is committed to the University of Utah.

“This tremendously talented young man sincerely wants a chance to do well,” Franchione said. “We are excited about his future at Blinn and intend to give him every opportunity to succeed in school, athletics, and life.”

Florida coach Urban Meyer suspended Newton in late November after he was found to be in possession of a stolen laptop computer, a case that is still pending. Newton did not participate in the Gators’ national championship game on Jan. 8.

Newton is enrolling for spring classes at Blinn’s Brenham campus. He could play for the Bucs this fall and then be eligible to transfer to an NCAA Division I program in 2010.

The Buccaneers won the Southwest Junior College Football Conference posting a 9-3 record in 2008. Blinn won national titles in 1995, 1996, and 2006.