Oklahoma football spotlight: Freshman LB Kip Lewis

With a 22-member 2022 recruiting class and 13 players acquired through the transfer portal, almost a third of the Oklahoma football roster for the coming season is made up of newcomers.

Periodically into the summer months, we will be introducing you to these new faces. Today we introduce incoming freshman recruit Kip Lewis, who comes to OU as the 25th linebacker prospect in the 2022 class, according to 247Sports.

Who is Kip Lewis?

Kip Lewis is a freshman linebacker at the University of Oklahoma. He was part of the 2022 recruiting class, which ranked as the 8th best class, according to the On3 Composite. Lewis was was a unanimous four-star in the cycle. Lewis was Texas District 10-4A D-II Overall MVP as a senior and helped Carthage High win the 4A state title as a junior.

He chose the Sooners over several other interested parties, including USC, Texas, Texas A&M, Notre Dame and Arkansas among others. He originally committed to Oklahoma when the old staff was in place but never waived from his pledge and enrolled early. Lewis was an early enrollee and was a participant in the Oklahoma’s Red-White Spring game.

Where does Lewis project to play at Oklahoma?  How soon?

Lewis is expected to play the Will (weakside) linebacker position. With senior DaShaun White returning for the extra season granted by Covid-19 and senior transfer T.D Roof coming in, it is not considered likely that Lewis will start games at Oklahoma in 2022. However, it is expected he will see play in at least four ball games this season, as he can do so and maintain his redshirt. He could very well be good enough, though, to play significant snaps on special teams early on, which may result in pulling his redshirt.

Lewis showing off coverage skills

Scouting

Lewis is listed at 6-foot, 1-inch and 198 pounds as of the spring roster update. You typically want your Will linebacker to be around 225-230 pounds, which means Lewis has some ways to go to get his body right. Which is a big reason why projecting him to play significant snaps is unlikely. A transformation in Jerry Schmidt’s program is not impossible, but that kind of weight in a few months period is unlikely.
Here is what we know from his high school film: He is a flexible athlete with plenty of speed. Prototypical tweener linebacker who can play in and outside. Value asset for the way football is played today.  He is an excellent coverage linebacker who has sideline to sideline range. In many ways he reminds us of Brian Asamoah.

Lewis has solid bend and has played edge at times at the high school level. He takes quality angles and has tremendous instincts. He does a good job in contain and pursuit as well. He is a high-motor player who plays with max effort.

Impact for Oklahoma?

Lewis was a big get for Oklahoma for many reasons. The first being that while Oklahoma was transitioning to a new staff, he was a key player who stayed committed. The loyalty and commitment from players who decided to stay in the boat cannot be understated. Their impact was a major reason why the Sooners still finished with a strong class.

Lewis has a chance to be a three-year starter at Oklahoma, in my estimation, beginning in 2023 after a full season and two full offseasons in a college conditioning program. He has a high upside, that I believe will lead to him being an NFL draft pick someday. Defensive coordinator Ted Roof and Brent Venables are sure to be pleased to bring in such a quality athlete into the fold.

Kip Lewis and Kobie McKinzie should be a linebacker duo Sooner fans talk about for many years to come!

A solid mix of Lewis showing off his coveted talents: