Why Leo Lewis will be the SEC’s best linebacker

The SEC is the nation’s toughest conference and produces elite talent at linebacker, as Mississippi State’s Leo Lewis looks to take the nation by storm. Lewis’ skillset is unmatched and has every element one can think of in today’s game. Having made the most of his first two years, Lewis is sure to shine as an upperclassman and lead one of the nation’s most promising defenses.

A native Mississippian from Brookhaven, Lewis’ name has been well known throughout the state. Having said that, it will not take long for those in and around the game to be put on notice. Both his freshman and sophomore campaigns indicated that Lewis was beyond his years. He will be relied on as a leader and “quarterback of the defense”, as Lewis is more than capable of taking on such a role.

Lewis put on a clinic in 2016 and left it all on the field. He was a sure thing from day one and showed out game after game, particularly at BYU and arch-rival Ole Miss. In both, Lewis turned heads and gave Mississippi State all the reason to look forward.

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At BYU, Lewis recorded a season-high 12 tackles. He was all over the field with a nonstop motor and nose for the ball. He was an intimidating force who singlehandedly took over the Bulldogs’ defense.

But it was in Mississippi State’s dominating 55-20 home win over Ole Miss that Lewis truly put himself on the map. With six total tackles and his first career sack, Lewis was a man possessed. In college football’s best rivalry, Lewis took the Egg Bowl stage and made the most of his opportunity.

Having shown no signs of slowing down, Lewis’ 2017 campaign exceeded expectations. Like the Egg Bowl, Lewis decided to show up under the brightest lights, as the LSU game was the ideal time. In the Bulldogs 37-7 home rout of the Tigers, Lewis posted eight total tackles and the first forced fumble of his career.

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He added another eight tackles against Texas A&M, as Mississippi State trounced the Aggies 35-14 at home. Having asserted himself as the Bulldogs’ next big star at linebacker, Lewis rounded out the season on a high. With all the promise in the world, Lewis is more than ready for fall, as he will be heavily relied on to take Mississippi State a level higher on the defensive side of the ball.

The modern day linebacker is versatile with a quick first step, each elements of Lewis’ game. Lewis can also read the eyes of any offensive player. Capable of disrupting the passing, running, and receiving game, Lewis is a true Swiss army knife on defense.

Comparable to one of the Bulldogs’ best in K.J. Wright, Lewis’ potential will be on full display this season. Wright set a high standard and Lewis is ready to take the torch. He is a student of the game and a natural born leader, poised for a career year and ready to set Mississippi State’s new standard at linebacker.