That answers my questions...most of them.
In January 2009, Newton transferred to Blinn College in Brenham, Texas under head coach Brad Franchione, son of Dennis Franchione. That fall he led his team to the 2009 NJCAA National Football Championship,[14] throwing for 2,833 yards with 22 touchdowns and running for 655 yards.[15] He was named a juco All-America honorable mention and was the most recruited juco quarterback in the country.[15] Newton was ranked as the number one quarterback from either high school or junior college by Rivals.com, and was the only five-star recruit.[16][17][18]
I think you were right all along Snaggle.
Where were the Texas schools? Oklahoma and MSU recruited him. He actually chose Florida out of high school over...Mississippi State!!!
And even if he was "raw", this was just too much talent to ignore.