2022 LB Kip Lewis Quickly Rising Up Recruiting Boards

‘Rising junior’ is a phrase that gets tossed around frequently in the recruiting world, but it fits 2022 Carthage (Texas) linebacker Kip Lewis‍ more than most. 

The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder has received offers from Notre Dame, Baylor, Colorado State, LSU, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and USC in the last month. 

"I knew it was going to happen, but I just didn't know it was going to happen this fast,” Lewis told ISD. “It all has really happened fast. They all hit at one time, so I haven't had time to let it sink in yet." 

Brian Polian extended Lewis an offer six days ago and the Texas native will now start to learn more about the Irish program. 

"I know a little bit about Notre Dame,” said Lewis. “They are one of the top academic schools in the nation and were close to getting the National Championship. They had a good run this year." 

The message from Polian was also simple as he views Lewis as a difference-maker. 

"Coach Polian said they really like me,” stated Lewis. “He said they think I'm the guy who can get them over the hump with Alabama." 

On the field, Lewis led Carthage with 140 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and four sacks in 2020. Most programs view his future at outside linebacker, including Notre Dame as the Irish project him at Will or Rover.

"Notre Dame said they would put me at a hybrid linebacker or Will,” explained Lewis. “Most programs feel I'm an outside linebacker. 

"I like outside better, but I'll play anywhere to get on the field." 

The ISD four-star might have the offers, but Lewis knows he needs to continue to develop his game this offseason. 

"I have speed and the ability to know the play before it happens,” Lewis said of his strengths. “I'm focused on getting bigger and covering better this offseason. I want to get better in coverage." 

When it comes to favorites in his recruitment, Lewis didn’t grow up a fan of any specific team and while he admits it would be great to stay close home, it’s not a priority. One thing to watch is Lewis has a twin sister who is a volleyball recruit. 

"It means a lot because it means I can stay close to home and that would be cool if I did,” Lewis said of his in-state offers. “If I fit, it doesn't really matter where I go.

"I want to go to a good Business School. I'm also looking for a school where I could go with my sister.  We've been together our whole life, so it'd be more comfortable going to school with her."