Leo Lewis to Ole Miss: Rebels Land 4-Star LB Prospect

Linebacker recruit Leo Lewis is considered one of the top defensive prospects in the nation, and he has finally made his verbal commitment for 2015.

On Tuesday, the 4-star prospect from Brookhaven High School in Brookhaven, Mississippi, committed to play college football at Ole Miss. 

Coach Warren VPreps of Scouting Varsity Preps reported the news of Lewis' decision:

At 6’3” and 225 pounds, Lewis is ranked as the 73rd overall prospect, the third overall player from Mississippi and the top inside linebacker of the class, according to 247Sports' composite ratings.

Lewis also had more than a dozen other offers from other top programs, including Mississippi State, Alabama, Florida State and Arkansas, among others.

John Talty of AL.com weighed in on what Lewis means to the Rebels recruit class:

In a report from Riley Blevins of The Clarion-Ledger, Lewis talked about the steady stream of messages he was receiving during the recruitment process and how he dealt with the pressure:

"

I don't really know which school sends me the most because it's way too much to read them all. But they ask me everything and anything. From like what I'm doing this weekend to football. It's just nuts.

It's normal to me. I guess it's a blessing in a way. When my phone is silent, it's almost weird. I think like, 'is something wrong?' So many coaches are always hitting me up.

"

Previously, Lewis had committed to Alabama in April, but according to Talty, he decommitted in July and once again tested all of his options. In the end, the right landing spot was Ole Miss.

During the 2013 season, Lewis racked up 100 tackles and became a force for Brookhaven using his size and hitting power. 247Sports gave him a rating of nine out of 10 in striking ability and the same score for reactive quickness. Those are two of the biggest factors when playing middle linebacker.

The scouting website also graded him as a seven out of 10 for tackling, athleticism, playing in space and lateral movement. Each of those traits can be improved with hard work, and he will have guidance from his new coaching staff.

You can’t teach the size Lewis possesses, though.

With the natural instincts to be a dangerous player at the next level, the ability to read a play and diagnose it and the willingness to stand his ground at the point of attack, Lewis has all the tools to make him a star at the collegiate level.

*Stats and information via 247Sports.