THE COMMITMENT: Rivals100 linebacker Terrence Lewis committed to Tennessee on Wednesday, giving the red-hot Vols yet another reason to celebrate. The No. 19 player in the 2021 class, Lewis joins a rapidly growing Tennessee commitment list. Below, Rivals.com takes a look at what Jeremy Pruitt and company are getting and what Lewis' choice means for the program.
WHAT TENNESSEE IS GETTING: One of the most athletic linebackers in the country, Lewis can play inside or outside. Ideally, he’d add size and occupy the mike spot, but he’ll likely shine either way. The four-star prospect is solid enough in coverage, but his strength is plugging holes and bringing down ball carriers. Lewis, who thrives on contact, is well versed in how to use his long arms to his advantage and moves incredibly well laterally. He’ll need to bulk up significantly to play the middle on the SEC level, but he can function on the outside should that be how Tennessee decides to proceed. Lewis has shown a surprising ability to cover downfield in elite camps and seems to be getting more adjusted to doing so, as his length serves him well in such situations. His versatility is a massive perk because the Miami-bon star is the type of prospect the Vols can plug and play early in his career.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE VOLS: Tennessee's current recruiting momentum is undeniable, as Jeremy Pruitt and company have had a massive week on the trail. One of the top ranked prospects in Florida, Lewis is capable of helping said momentum snowball even further in a hurry. The four-star linebacker was one of the leaders of Miami Northwestern's state title team a season ago and is well connected to other elite athletes at the school and beyond.
Northwestern produces multiple major prospects every cycle, as does Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna, the school to which Lewis recently transferred. Lewis is the type of bell cow commit that can attract other prospects in 2021 and beyond. Lewis, who always seems to be surrounded by other elite prospects, should quickly morph into a vocal recruiter for Pruitt and company.
