Versatile 2017 Grossmont JUCO CB/FS David Lewis is Gearing Up for Sophomore Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

When college coaches look into the junior college ranks for talent to fill a recruiting class, chances are the program needs an immediate impact player that can bolster the roster from Day 1. When college coaches come around to see David Lewis, they will see a versatile defensive back who can play corner or safety at the Division-I level.

Lewis was a regional defensive MVP of the Blue-Grey All-American camp later being selected for the game out of Morse High School. During his senior year in high school, Lewis did a little bit of everything for the Tigers getting snaps on offense as a running back and wide receiver, was used as a punt returner, and shinned on defense at corner after playing as a safety during his junior year.

All of that talent and ability has translated well to the California junior college level seeing Lewis lockdown wide receivers as a true freshman. Grossmont stats are incomplete, but a best guess estimate (nine games) of 30 tackles, three tackles for a loss, one interception – a pick-six, and four passes broken up summarize Lewis’ 2015 campaign.

Lewis’ size, speed, and frame add to the versatility a Division-I program may need in the 2017 recruiting class. He played the 2015 season at 6-1, 190, but has dropped weight to 180 to bolster his speed covering wide receivers on the outside. In addition to tight cover skills, Lewis is one of those cornerbacks who likes to hit, aided by his days of playing safety.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Lewis after Grossmont’s spring ball had ended to get an overview on his progression on the field and his recruitment to date.

Interview

David, if you will, please give me a quick rundown of how your high school career played out.

“I transferred to Morse before my junior season. After I had to sit out for four games because of transfer rules in California, I started as a hybrid linebacker/strong safety. My senior year I moved to corner and was later named a Blue-Grey All-American.”

How was the jump from high school football to JUCO football on the field for you?

“The transition was easier for me than most. At Morse during my senior year, I was practicing with Grossmont during spring ball. When freshman were coming in over the summer, I had already accustomed to everything – to the speed of the game. It was easier for me than for some.”

How did your freshman season at Grossmont play out?

“The first two games for us, everyone was healthy. We blew out the first two teams and put up 50 points on each (Southwestern and Pasadena City). The third game of the season we played the No. 1 team in California (Riverside), lost by two (31-29). After that we lost some close games and had a rougher season. As a player, I got my first pick against Mt. Sac (Mt. San Antonio), the interception was a pick-six. That was my best game of the season.”

How many receptions did you give up during the season?

“Man-to-man, probably three or four. That was mostly in zone stuff. There were a couple of Cover 3 slant passes for four or five yards. Nothing as a cornerback that you get too upset about.”

What are your strengths on the field as a defensive back?

“Definitely my press coverage and man-to-man skills are a strength. I know how to use the angles. I’m 6-1. I’m longer as a corner which makes pressing easy. My freshman year, the hardest thing I had to get used to was watching the quarterback’s eyes. It was easy to be in man in high school and get caught watching the quarterback’s eyes. If you got caught looking, chances are the quarterback was not good enough to do anything about it. I’ve been working on my three-step reads and stuff like that. I’ve been working to take my game to the next level throughout the offseason.”

Have you maxed out in any of the primary football lifts this offseason?

“Yes. My bench was 305, my squat was 415, and my deadlift was 510.”

Impressive.

“Thank you.”

Because of your size and past history of playing safety, if a college came to you with an offer to play safety instead of corner would you be open to changing positions?

“Yes. Throughout the spring I’ve been playing some free safety. I play both safety and corner. I’m big enough to put on 15 pounds and play in the box. I think that will set me out from the others in recruiting at the end.”

What are some of the other things that you believe sets you apart from other 2017 recruits?

“You don’t see cornerbacks my size. There are not a lot of corners that can excel in zone or in man press. You cannot see someone that can bump over into the nickel to guard a slot. I can bump back into a Cover 2 and take over half the field if needed. There are not a lot of corners that can do that.”

Have you set your goals for the 2016 football season yet?

“Definitely. This year I do not want to give up any passes past 10 yards, a slant you can live with that. No one should beat me deep. I want five interceptions. I feel like I should have had more my freshman year – I want to make up for that. With team goals, I feel like we can run the table if we all keep on doing what we’ve been doing on the field and in practice. I believe we can do it.”

At the junior college level, most players do not play multiple positions as much as seen at the high school level. But might we see you play another position in 2016? You already mentioned playing some free safety.

“You’ll probably see me as a punt returner this year. I told my coach I returned some for touchdowns in high school. He said okay.”

I found that you have a list of schools that have shown interest in you including: Arizona State, Central Florida, North Texas, Portland State, Weber State, Grambling State, Sacramento State, Colorado State, and UNLV. Which schools are showing interest in you right now?

“Utah State is showing a lot of interest. I am visiting there on June 7. UNLV is another. I am trying to schedule something with them in late May or before we start back at Grossmont this summer. Central Florida is showing a lot of interest. Washington State and Memphis have come by Grossmont to look at me as well.”

Are you going to attend any college camps this summer?

“When I go to Utah State, I’m planning on camping there on June 8. I want them to see me in person. I might go to a USC camp. I’ve been invited to another camp but I cannot remember which one right now.”

When the college coaches talk to you about your game, what are they telling you they like?

“Most schools like my size and how versatile I am at this size. They can look at me and put me at any defensive back position they may need me to play.”

You’ve been through part of this process before, and with junior college recruits there is more of a sense of urgency to make the right decision. When your time comes to choose a school, what will influence that decision?

“I want that family feeling, I’ll be there for two to three years. I want that home away from home atmosphere. I want to be close to others on the team. Coming from JUCO, you don’t want to sit on the bench. I want to know that when I come in ready I can play for them right away.”

Is there a NFL player you model your game after or someone you enjoy watch play the game?

“My favorite DB is Brian Dawkins (Philadelphia Eagles). The two corners I really like are Vernon Hargreaves III (Florida Gators – Tampa Bay Buccaneers). I think he was the best true corner in the draft. He can do off, in the zone – he can do it all. The player that I model myself around is Jalen Ramsey (Florida State – Jacksonville Jaguars). He is faster than me but we are both versatile defensive backs.”

What do you want to major in when you go to college?

“Construction. I have been a high math guy since I was a little kid. A job in construction would be a good job after football is done.”

Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?

“My mom (Cecelia Grimes). I’ve always wanted to give back to her. She works 12 hour shifts every day and my little brother (Daniel Grimes). I feel like I am the reason he is playing football. I want to help put my little brother Daniel and my little sister Danielle (twins) through college.”

David, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Michael Brunker; No. 8 David Lewis surveys the defense pre-snap.

Photo credit: Michael Brunker; No. 8 David Lewis on the field for Grossmont.

Photo credit: Lewis family; David Lewis on the field for the Blue-Grey All-American Game.