Newton attended Carroll High School in Southlake, Texas, where he was a four-year starter under coaches Todd Dodge and Hal Wasson.
Newton helped lead the Dragons to a 59–2 record and three 5A state titles by rushing for 4,728 yards and 49 touchdowns on 610 carries (7.8 average).
In his four years at Southlake Carroll, Newton lined up next to three different quarterbacks, all of whom went on to play FBS college football: Chase Daniel, Greg McElroy, and Riley Dodge.
By the week 10 game versus Texas A&M, he had won the starting job at running back over Cody Johnson.
Newton's football career ended in 2010 after a series of head injuries that culminated with a concussion against the Kansas State Wildcats on November 6, 2010.