SirJohn
10-27-2005, 11:58 AM
Recruiting Spotlight: Anthony Lewis
Web Posted: 10/18/2005 12:00 AM CDT
San Antonio Express-News
Each week during season, writer Dan McCarney will provide a look at a top football prospect.
School: Haltom City
Position: Linebacker
Size: 6-foot-3, 240 pounds
Committed to: Undecided
The rundown: Coach Kenny Perry brought a custom with him when he arrived at Haltom City two years ago. Each week the Haltom City staff would select the team's top defensive player, who would then be awarded a colored jersey to wear in practice.
After earning the distinction for six-straight weeks, linebacker Anthony Lewis came to Perry's office. Uncomfortable being singled out from the rest of his teammates, Lewis gave the jersey back.
"It takes a lot for a 16-, 17-year-old kid to do that," Perry said. "He wanted everybody else to feel like he was just like they were, that he wasn't any better than them."
Lewis has taken the same approach with his recruiting.
Though he has yet to settle on a school — Perry said the three finalists are Texas A&M, Notre Dame and Oklahoma — Lewis has been as low-key as possible.
"He doesn't want to be a distraction," Perry said.
Lewis was in South Bend, Ind., over the weekend for Southern California's thrilling victory over the Irish. He visited A&M two weeks ago, leaving just OU on his list. Perry said Texas, which already has an elite linebacker commitment from Dallas Wilson's Sergio Kindle, made only cursory advances.
"They didn't really know much about him when they came out here," Perry said. "That's why he's so interested in A&M — they've been after him hard since last year."
As much as he craves anonymity, Lewis is impossible to ignore. He's probably the best player in a district that includes state powers Southlake Carroll and Denton Ryan.
"Every week, he does something that you shake your head at," Perry said.
Perry recalled a play against Grapevine last year when Lewis hammered the opposing quarterback on a blitz. The blow left Lewis' target with a concussion and without his helmet.
"It was the hardest hit I've ever seen," Perry said.
Dan McCarney
Web Posted: 10/18/2005 12:00 AM CDT
San Antonio Express-News
Each week during season, writer Dan McCarney will provide a look at a top football prospect.
School: Haltom City
Position: Linebacker
Size: 6-foot-3, 240 pounds
Committed to: Undecided
The rundown: Coach Kenny Perry brought a custom with him when he arrived at Haltom City two years ago. Each week the Haltom City staff would select the team's top defensive player, who would then be awarded a colored jersey to wear in practice.
After earning the distinction for six-straight weeks, linebacker Anthony Lewis came to Perry's office. Uncomfortable being singled out from the rest of his teammates, Lewis gave the jersey back.
"It takes a lot for a 16-, 17-year-old kid to do that," Perry said. "He wanted everybody else to feel like he was just like they were, that he wasn't any better than them."
Lewis has taken the same approach with his recruiting.
Though he has yet to settle on a school — Perry said the three finalists are Texas A&M, Notre Dame and Oklahoma — Lewis has been as low-key as possible.
"He doesn't want to be a distraction," Perry said.
Lewis was in South Bend, Ind., over the weekend for Southern California's thrilling victory over the Irish. He visited A&M two weeks ago, leaving just OU on his list. Perry said Texas, which already has an elite linebacker commitment from Dallas Wilson's Sergio Kindle, made only cursory advances.
"They didn't really know much about him when they came out here," Perry said. "That's why he's so interested in A&M — they've been after him hard since last year."
As much as he craves anonymity, Lewis is impossible to ignore. He's probably the best player in a district that includes state powers Southlake Carroll and Denton Ryan.
"Every week, he does something that you shake your head at," Perry said.
Perry recalled a play against Grapevine last year when Lewis hammered the opposing quarterback on a blitz. The blow left Lewis' target with a concussion and without his helmet.
"It was the hardest hit I've ever seen," Perry said.
Dan McCarney