The kids think Cam is all right.

Granted, it wasn't a huge sample size, but that was the impression I got after talking to a handful of prospects Friday at the NFL combine.

Despite all the criticism that surrounded Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton during his MVP season and has followed him since his mopey Super Bowl press conference, he’s the face of the league's future.

"That's not my style, but there's no one like it," said Georgia defensive tackle Chris Mayes. "He's a trendsetter. Everybody repeats what he does."

That much was clear as Newton’s influence spread from football to fútbol. And while there are generational and racial lines that divide Newton's supporters and critics, he can also bring people together. Kind of.

"I ain't got nothing against him even though he went to Auburn. That's one of the few Auburn players I do like," said Alabama defensive end D.J. Pettway. "I like the way he carries himself. I like the things he does no matter if someone calls him flamboyant. That's just him."

Which is largely Newton’s defense. Whether he’s dancing or pouting, what you see is who he is.

"I just understand all the time that's put into it," said Georgia receiver Malcolm Mitchell. "To go out there and stress yourself out, it's not worth it.

“If you think about our day here yesterday, it was almost a 24-hour day. Now when I go out there and play, why shouldn't I smile after I've been doing medical stuff for 24 hours?"

Even if all of this makes sense if you look at it from Newton's perspective, as we’ve seen, the noise around him isn’t going to die down any time soon. He’s not going to change, so the clash of cultures will continue.

Cam vs. defenses.

Cam vs. opposing fans.

Cam vs. curmudgeons.

Cam vs. “the right way."

But considering how he’s seen by the up-and-comers, it’s not necessarily Cam vs. the world.

"I can understand why a lot of defenses got frustrated at it. You never want to see somebody rubbing it in your face when they score a touchdown," said Florida State linebacker Terrance Smith.

"But as he said, it's part of the game. If you don't want him to dance, don't let him score."