Can Miami Flip Terrence Lewis?

Next on my breakdown of Miami’s 2021 recruiting targets, is a player who is without a doubt one of the most talented prospects in the country, 5-star linebacker Terrence Lewis, who announced in August that he’d be playing his senior year at Miami Central HS. Lewis is currently committed to Tennessee.

The talent that Lewis has, definitely meets the 5-star hype, and I'll say it again, is one of the most naturally gifted and talented players in the nation.

247 Sports composite has Lewis ranked as the #1 outside linebacker in the 2021 class, #4 player in Florida, and #15 player nationally.

In 2019, Lewis finished his junior season with 105 tackles, 15 TFLs, 9 sacks and 3 interceptions, helping Miami Northwestern capture the 5A state title.

A typical elite linebacker, Lewis seeks and destroys on the football field, with closing speed that you don't typically see from someone at that position. Even with a lighter frame for a linebacker, 6-1 200 pounds, Lewis has the build of a safety, but can light up anyone on the field. A sound tackler, Lewis has totaled over 100 tackles the past two seasons. With his ferocious style of play, Lewis reminds you of guys like Lawrence Taylor or Junior Seau.

If you’re looking for an athletic linebacker that can defend against a spread offense and modern-day systems, Lewis fits that description. He can play in any situation in all three downs, with the quickness to fly to the backfield and bury the run or sack the quarterback. In the last two years, Lewis has racked up 24 sacks and 50 TFLs, so if he gets past the line of scrimmage, it’s game over.

Then also, Lewis has the coverage ability where he can line up against and shut down a receiver, as well as make the interception. You know when the offense tries to create mismatches by having a linebacker cover a receiver or athletic tight end, Lewis doesn’t fall into that category.

In July, Lewis was named a candidate for the Butkus Award, which is given to the best linebacker in high school football. In August, Sports Illustrated put Lewis on their Preseason SI99, which is a list of the top 99 players in high school football. Lewis was #27 on the list.

Miami has two 5-stars committed to their 2021 class already, defensive tackle Leonard Taylor and safety James Williams.

However, with Lewis verbally committing to Tennessee back in April, and reports that he wants to enroll early, it won't be easy for the Canes in trying to flip him. Still, reports have come out recently that Miami continues to talk with Lewis, and UM commits like Romello Brinson have made it clear on social media they want to bring him to Coral Gables.

If the Hurricanes can continue to win this season, it’ll be interesting to see whether or not Manny Diaz and his staff can flip Lewis from the Volunteers.