Interview: 4-Star 2023 Florida OLB/ATH Lewis Carter Talks Recruiting Ahead of Auburn Visit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Even at outside linebacker with teams wanting to scheme away from Lewis Carter, they couldn’t. The 6-0, 205-pound, defender earned four-star recruiting status during his sophomore campaign by putting down 80 ball carriers with eight tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, four QB hurries, one interception, three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and one blocked field goal – a scoop and score. Ahead of the 2021 season, Tampa Catholic’s standout has earned 27 offers with interest still rolling his way.
Ahead of visiting Auburn, Carter stopped by the RNG Lab covering ground on his recruiting and offseason workouts.
Interview
Lewis, for a defensive standout, you certainly have a knack for finding the end zone. Which ways did you find the end zone during the 2020 season?
Last year, in many ways. I got one on a forced fumble in the first quarter. I blocked the field goal and took it in against Winter Haven. Another one was on a returned a kick. That was on the first play of that game. My coaches had me deep but they saw the George Jenkins’ kicks were going short so they lined up on the second line. They kicked it to me and I took it around the right side for a touchdown.
Taking that kick back for a score, how sweet was that for you?
It was great. I took it in and I set the tone. We were hyped and ready to play.
On defense, what base were you guys running last season?
A 4-3.
As that outside backer, you were dropping, rushing, and going against the run. Given all that you were doing, which areas of your game saw the most improvement as a defender last season?
I feel like reading the run from the backside, really anywhere on the field, that was the key to my game.
When the 2021 season gets going, where all will we see you on the field?
Mainly at outside linebacker and some at strong safety. On offense, I will be at running back and some at slot receiver.
Are you excited about the roles on offense?
Yes, sir. Offense has been a thing.
What have you been doing this offseason to increase your speed and agility?
Sprints, ladders, cones, and back pedaling.
What have you been doing to add more power to your skills?
Hang cleans and squats; I’ve been working on the bottom half of my body making it stronger. The goal is making my legs get stronger. I’ve been benching, working on my hands by gripping dumb bells from the side.
Where has been your focus on defense with the fundamentals?
Playing man to man and getting my hands on someone. That is taking advantage of a receiver and getting a jump on the ball. You get a feel for the receiver with your hands on them. It is easier in man to man. I have been working on better drops with my coverages. At Jesuit, we are working on that. Also covering as a strong safety.
What personal goals have you set for your junior campaign?
I want to get County Defensive Player of the Year and I want to get more solo tackles than last year. I want at least three to four defensive touchdowns. Strips, picks, and a lot of big hits, but the main goal is All-County Defensive Player of the Year and to be invited to an All-American Game.
This offseason, did you compete at any national camps?
I went to an Under Armour All-American Camp. I was supposed to go to Rivals, but couldn’t make it.
Did you compete at any college camps?
I went to USF here in the city. I was supposed to got to Florida and UCF but just visited.
The USF camp, tell me about your camp performance there.
It was fun. I dominated. I was with the 2023 and 2024 kids, but they moved me up with the seniors and JUCO kids. It was still too easy.
Getting into recruiting, which programs are showing interest?
Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Florida State.
How many offers are you holding?
Twenty-seven.
Wow. Which were the last few to offer you?
Michigan, Louisville, and LSU.
Carter’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Auburn, Charlotte, Florida, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Maryland, Miami, Michigan, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Texas A&M, Toledo, UCF, USF, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, and Western Kentucky
You said you visited Florida and UCF, where all did you go this summer?
I went to Florida, UCF, USF, and I am heading up to Auburn this weekend.
How did the Florida visit go?
It was great. I toured the school, talked to some of the players from my city like Malik Davis, and saw all the buildings. They told us about the purpose of the buildings too. We saw the stadium, the practice field, and took pictures doing the photo shoot. I talked their coaches there; their running backs and linebacker coach and Dan Mullen (head coach).
When you visit Auburn this weekend, what all will you be doing?
Taking the tour and meeting with the coaches. I think there will be top prospects there. They have fun stuff planned, table games and cards. I am supposed to take pictures and do the photo shoot.
Very cool. Lewis, thank you for your time today. I hope the Auburn visit is a blast for you.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Carter family; Lewis Carter