Interview: 2022 North Little Rock Scat-Back Johnny Lewis is One to Watch
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
North Little Rock High School has developed into a dominating force in Arkansas’ 7A ranks. After years of building, the Charging Wildcats finally broke through in 2016 making the state championship game (12-1) and followed that up with a perfect run in 2017 (13-0) ending as the No. 7 ranked team in the nation (MaxPreps). The dominating ways continued last season making a clean run into the state championship game again falling in the title game to Bryant. NLR is back at it this season with a 1-2 record after playing Washington (Tulsa), Whitehaven (Memphis), and Catholic-Baton Rouge (Louisiana). Behind three-star 2020 Memphis running back commit Brandon Thomas is a talent developing, learning, and waiting for his chance to carry the full load, and that player to watch going forward is speedy 2022 scat-back Johnny Lewis.
Season stats by the Charging Wildcats are not released to the public, but there is game tape of Lewis (5-9, 153) out there. Lewis has that next level gear that makes him a threat from anywhere on the field out of the backfield and his game in the passing attack is developing.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the rising Arkansas talent learning more about his growing abilities on the gridiron.
Interview
Johnny, how has your sophomore season started out on the field for you personally?
“It was kind of rough at first, not knowing what to do. I got into the weight room more and the coaches and players helped me out. I switched from basketball back to football later in the spring. I got on the field for some spring ball. I was getting hit with a lot, but the coaches were helping me get ready. I have done well and I am getting better.”
What type of offense do the Charging Wildcats execute?
“We are running a Spread this year. We were a run it down your throat team last season. We lost some great running backs from last year due to graduation. We have some underclassmen who can catch really well. So, we are spreading it out and throwing it more this season. Throwing the ball has been a success for us this season.”
How are your skills utilized within the offense?
“I get the ball in the wing a lot. I am getting some more time in at receiver. I’ve been playing some receiver, wing, and running back. I have been a piece of clay molded to what the team needs. I have been doing a lot of speed options and pitches with my carries out of the backfield.”
Over the summer months, how did you prepare for this season’s varsity action?
“One thing I did was train with JJ Meadors. I also ran routes with our quarterback Kareame Cotton. Moving up, everything is quicker, faster, and harder. I worked on my running, catching, and went into the weight room more. I work on my time to see how fast I am running. It was a lot but I did well over the summer to prep myself. I had an idea I would get playing time this year, so I got extra work in over the summer.”
A big part of your game is your speed. What is the fastest-timed run you’ve posted?
“The last 100 I ran was 11.16 over the spring. My best 40 time was a 4.5. I am still working on it.”
Four games into the schedule, where are you showing the biggest improvements with your skills?
“One of my biggest improvements is getting to know the plays. We have a lot of signals too. We are so much different from other teams. I have improved on that. Our game plan is so good, but it is confusing at times. Once you get the hang of it, it comes in line. I had to watch more of our offense on Hudl to learn the motions and shifts.
“My route running and catching is another area where I am showing a lot of improvement. I was running slower at first. I am getting faster through the routes. I was not going as fast as I should be going early on; it is all coming together. I had to learn that halfway through the route the ball will come to me. It is all picking up. I was not as good off the ball in the press early on, but I am getting better. I am seeing big improvement in my overall game this season.”
Which game so far has been your best and why do you consider that game to be tops?
“The best game I’ve had so far was against our scrimmage against Broken Arrow. I could see my growth from the spring to the first game of the season. I could see a big difference in my blocking, not running past them, knowing who to hit, and getting your hands right on the defender. I am reading the blocks better now too. That scrimmage helped me get the feel for varsity football, the speed of the game and the hits.”
The first three games of the season were against out of state squads. You guys open in-state action on Friday against Central. Are you excited to take on the Tigers (3-0)?
“Central is a good football team. They are like us, well-coached. It will be a tough fight off our last game. We are starving going into this game, and we have the best coaches. We will have a great plan for them. I am looking forward to it.”
What are some other big games coming up?
“Bryant is a big one (Nov. 1). I have been excited for that game since my eighth-grade season. They are that team I want to play. They are the state champs and we are the runner ups. Cabot is another one (Nov. 8). I have friends over there who are good. My former coach, Coach Hamilton, is at Catholic High (Oct. 18); I am looking forward to that game.”
Johnny, I enjoyed learning more about you and your game today. Thanks for your time and good luck with all the upcoming 7A Central conference games.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Rock Town Photography; No. 24 Johnny Lewis