Joseph Lewis is one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the upcoming recruiting class, and with many heavyweights already intrigued, the Gamecocks threw their hat into the ring, extending an offer to Lewis.
Joseph Lewis is one of the most highly sought after receivers in the class of 2017. He is ranked 3rd among wide receivers by 247Sports, almost every power conference team has come calling, sending a scholarship offer his way. The Southern California Trojans, Michigan Wolverines , Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Oklahoma Sooners, Oregon Ducks, and the Michigan State Spartans are just a few of the college football titans who have offered the 6’2 207 pound Lewis a scholarship. On April 13th, the South Carolina Gamecocks added their name to the extensive list of offers. If the Gamecocks can fight off the other big-time programs to win over Lewis’ services, what could he potentially bring to South Carolina?
The first major thing Lewis brings is size, he’s no pint-sized receiver standing at 6’2 and weighing 207 pounds, respectively. Lewis constantly dominates small cornerbacks, reaching over them with ease to get balls thrown higher up. Lewis also posses copious amounts of speed, burning defenders in the kick return game and finding ways to get into space, exploding with a lethal combination of speed and shiftiness.
After watching this film, I had to pick my jaw up from off of the table, not just from the flashy catches and ridiculously long touchdowns, but from Lewis’ sheer versatility. He lines up mainly on the outside and burns corners and safeties downfield earning 50/50 jumpballs by skying over defenders. But, that’s not all, Lewis also works out of the slot, returns kicks, and is pretty much a jack of all trades. The camp footage, which begins at the 2:23 mark of the above video, is really where Lewis showcases his speed and moves the best. Not only does he beat the cornerback tasked with covering him by a mile, but he then drops the safety to the ground with a devastating juke.
Another elite skill you see from Lewis is his ability to stay on his feet through contact. He’s a load to bring down, if you can catch up to him. The last big thing you see from Lewis when you’re breaking down the tape is his leaping ability or “bounce” the ability to get up off the ground to get balls that may not be thrown completely on-target. Overall, Lewis’ main strength in college will be as an outside receiver, and his leaping ability can only help his progression.
Overall, Lewis is an elite-level prospect, the type of player that scouts, alumni, and fans all salivate over. While Lewis’ intentions remain unclear to almost everybody in the recruiting world, South Carolina has extended him an offer, opening the door if Lewis has any interest in taking the trip from his California home down south.