New Orleans — Warren Easton DB Ronald Lewis, III is sort of a ‘hot commodity’ these days. The 6’2, 175 lb. prospect known as ‘Champ’ had a breakout campaign during the 2020 season.
During his junior season, ‘Champ’ recorded 32 tackles (one for a loss), 7 pass break-ups, and 8 interceptions, one of which he returned for a score. His 8 interceptions were tied for most in the state. Those numbers were good enough for him to be named 1st-team All-State and first-team All-District.
“It was a great experience, especially by me being a first year starter to be able to have such a great season and perform how I did. All of the hard finally paid off. I trusted my coaches, the hard work I put in, my technique and just went out there to compete & having fun and those were the results.”
Although Lewis had a great junior season, he is by no means content with what he’s already accomplished. “Last year I got 8 picks. The goal this year is to get 15. I’ve been working twice as hard. Between playing 7on7, running track, and working out in the weight room, I hope to have an even better senior season.”
Once the spring rolled around and the 7 on 7 circut took center stage, Lewis secured a roster spot with the Louisiana Bootleggers, Louisiana’s premier 7v7 team. He played during the team’s 3 tournaments in Miami, Phoenix and New Orleans. More recently, he’s also made appearances with F3 Elite/Team Juice (sponsored by NFL player and Bootleggers alum Jarvis Landry).
“It’s been an honor being able to play with the Bootleggers and building relationships with all those guys and competing with some of the best in the country. Playing 7 on 7 with and against some of these guys allows me to compete against a different level of receivers and quarterbacks.”
With so much activity over the past 12 or so months, colleges have definitely taken notice and have shown lots of interest. As of this publishing, ‘Champ’ has offers from: Virginia, Colorado, Oregon State, Kansas, Memphis, Tulane, Louisiana-Lafayette, Marshall, Louisiana Tech, UTSA, Utah State, ULM, Southeastern Louisiana and Lamar.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also played a role in how Lewis approaches his recruitment for now. “It has definitely affected me. Right now, we’re not able to visit campuses and see what schools have to offer for me in person, but schools have made their best effort to make everything as smooth as possible. From setting up zoom calls and virtual visits to just keeping in contact with me and my family daily by texting, calling and FaceTimeing.
At this moment, the schools that have been recruiting me the hardest are Colorado, Oregon State and Louisiana Tech. They show the most love with keeping in contact with me and my family and showing me as much as they can about their school virtually. Some schools are recruiting me to play CB some are recruiting me as a safety, but they all say I can play at whatever position fits me when I get to their school because of my versatility.
All of the schools have been showing lots of love, making it extremely hard to pick one. I’m just continuing to be patient in the recruiting process and when that day comes, hopefully I make the best decision. If everything goes as planned, I’ll make my decision on signing day. If not most likely, I’ll decide before the season.”
Stay tuned to PelicanPreps for more updates on Ronald Lewis and more.
