Interview: Encore Season in Demand from 3-Star 2019 Washington RB/ATH Khalil Lewis
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The world of Washington high school football was rocked in 2017 with the coming out party of 2019 do-everything athlete Khalil Lewis. The Lakes standout torched opposing defenses for 1,331 yards off 169 totes with 14 trips into the end zone. Flipping the field, he put an end to 52 plays with 10 tackles for a loss and five sacks. At season’s end, the 5-11, 185-pound, breakout star had earned first team All-League honors at running back and linebacker, three-star recruiting status, and recruiting attention from top regional programs. In an in-depth interview with one of Washington’s top 2019 athletes, I sat down with Lewis to cover his meteoric ascension up recruiting boards with his play on the field while getting insight to his overall recruiting process.
Interview
Khalil, in every sense of the phrase, you had a tremendous breakout season during your junior year? Did the stat line you posted on both sides of the ball even surprise you?
“Actually, no. I prepared to do that. I worked a long time to get the starting spot. When I did, the numbers did not come out what I wanted, but I am happy with the numbers.”
What was clicking for you on offense allowing you to rush for over 1,300 yards?
“My line. My line and blocking downfield by my receivers. It is hard to not rush for over 100 yards per game with your line and receivers blocking that way.”
Which game was your best last season?
“My best was when we played Spanaway Lake, I set a new school record for rushing yards. I had 397 yards and five touchdowns. I give a lot of credit to my line and my receivers for blocking. I give credit where credit is due.”
How did your game improve on defense last season?
“On defense, it improved a lot, especially with a position I was not familiar playing. My reading got better – all of it got better.”
Will we see you at running back and linebacker again in 2018?
“No, sir. You will see me at running back, but I will be at safety this year.”
What are you working on with your game this offseason?
“In general, my speed. That is my main focus. On offense, I am working on sharper cuts and my acceleration. On defense, I am working on breaking on the ball and reading keys at a new position. My 7v7 team helped me tone up my game this offseason.”
You played 7v7 ball this spring with Heir Football, how did 7v7 action help push your game forward?
“Playing 7v7 ball with Heir Football helped me tremendously. I was focused on what I needed to do for the upcoming season. I was given extra attention to the little details at each position with Heir Football.”
Do you have any upcoming camps on your schedule?
“I am going to a Rising Stars showcase in Eugene on June 2; a lot of colleges will be there for that camp. I am going to an Eastern Washington, Wazzu (Washington State), and an Oregon State camp as well.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered yet?
“I am receiving interest from Utah – they have showed a bunch of interest, Utah State, and Eastern Washington. I was invited to spring practices and Junior Day events with Wazzu and Utah but I could not make it because of a 7v7 tournament in Los Angeles.”
Have any college coaches come by Lakes to meet with you in person this offseason?
“Yes, sir. Coach Stacey Collins (linebackers) from Utah State has come by to meet with me. On Thursday, I talked to Notre Dame. Utah has come by and Coach Cherokee Valeria (recruiting coordinator) from Eastern Washington.”
Have you visited any schools this offseason?
“Yes, sir. I visited Eastern Washington.”
Do you have any planned visit upcoming aside from college camps?
“I am going to Wazzu upcoming.”
When do the Lancers start spring ball?
“We start on June 15th.”
What do the Lancers need to do this offseason to ensure a title in 2018?
“We need to do more team bonding. The seniors need to take on a leadership role to help the younger guys before the coaches have to get involved.”
Is there a personal goal within your control that you would like to accomplish before the 2018 season begins?
“I have a bunch of goals for 2018 season. For this offseason, my goals are to get my maxes up in the weight room. I spend a lot of time in the weight room. I want to clean up my technique as well.”
Khalil, thanks for your time today and good luck with spring practices.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Jake Ivory Photography; Khalil Lewis in action
Featured photo credit: Tacoma Weekly; No. 5 Khalil Lewis drags a defender