Fresno
TX
Hightower
OLB
6'1
207
ALL STARS PROFILE  

SHAUN LEWIS

Lewis flashes similarities to 2009 outside linebacker Jelani Jenkins on film. Both lack ideal size as prospects but are very explosive, play bigger and have great frames for future physical development. Lewis is tall, rangy and very fluid throughout his hips. Sees the play develop very quickly and has great initial burst and reactive athleticism. Consistently beats blockers to the point of attack and makes plays inside-out versus the run. A very fast-twitched athlete. Can change direction, breakdown and mirror ball carriers very well in space. Flexible athlete. Takes sharp angles to the ball carrier and flashes excellent acceleration and closing burst. A guy who can really run and chase down faster backs. Great solo tackler. Very good blitzer off the edge with his timing, first step quickness, bend and tenacity. While he can make plays from sideline-to-sideline with great range, at times he does overrun the ball carrier and needs to play a bit more under control and avoid opening up a cutback lane. Our main concern is his lack of great bulk when asked to shed and stalemate the cutoff block of bigger linemen at the next level. Gets off blocks quickly but needs to improve his hand technique when scraping. Has a narrow base which could hinder his ability to maintain his base at the point of attack. That said, Lewis is a disruptive football player on the outside with sought-after range, closing speed and athleticism needed to make plays in coverage and matchup versus today's open spread offenses. The size will come. Has some of the better upside in this entire linebacker class.