CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton ran around the football field at Memorial Stadium on Friday like he was one of the middle school kids participating in his third-annual School Pride Day.

It was a stark contrast from a year ago when the first pick of the 2011 draft hobbled around in a walking boot after undergoing offseason ankle surgery that basically sidelined him until training camp.

“Oh, man. No doubt," Newton told reporters. “Just a reset button for me was this past Easter. Ryan Vermillion, my head trainer, sent me the pictures [X-rays] from last year ... just to look at how my foot looked then.

“You know, we all need that remembrance. It’s not much for me too look back and have things to be motivated for or to be grateful about, especially with the year I’ve had. And yet, it still puts a lot of things into perspective, a lot of purpose for me to be out here today."

About 800 Mecklenburg County kids participated in the event put on by the Cam Newton Foundation.

The two-time Pro Bowler made an impression not only with his ability to move so freely, but by helping some kids out with math questions in one of the team competitions.

“I wouldn’t say helping," Newton said with a smile.

Regardless, Newton was setting an example at the event just as he hopes completing his sociology degree at Auburn this semester sets another.

“We’re down to the last couple of days," he said. “There’s been that anticipation to get it done. The last couple of papers are done. It just has to be submitted. My plans of walking are still up in the air right now.

“But for me to have the support of the Auburn family, the Auburn nation, is great."

Unlike middle linebacker Luke Kuechly, who is completing his degree at Boston College online, Newton felt it was important to attend classes in person.

He often stopped on campus to pose for pictures with fellow students. He once was photographed in class while sleeping.

“Lot of people taking pictures of me, the good, the bad and the ugly," Newton said. "Yet it’s just an unbelievable experience. It’s just going to make graduation even better."

Newton believes the Panthers will be better in 2015, as well. He’s particularly excited about the addition of veteran tackles Michael Oher and Jonathan Martin to the offensive line. He insisted the Panthers legitimately have eight to nine potential starters.

“That’s good for me, good for us, for the Panthers franchise to have options," said Newton, whose offensive line was considered the weak point of the team this time a year ago. “And not just options of plugging guys in for need. These are guys that actually are talented."

But most of all, Newton is excited he will be a full participant in offseason workouts and minicamp instead of a spectator as he was a year ago.

“Absolutely," he said. “I did my first couple of runs [this week]. My legs were kind of heavy, and yet I got it done."