MOBILE, Ala. — Junior college pass rusher Akeem Lewis gave South Alabama a verbal commitment on Thursday, adding a defensive lineman to the Jaguars’ 2013 recruiting class less than a week before National Signing Day.
Lewis, a 6-foot-3, 242-pound native of Louisiana, had a scholarship offer from Southern Miss but chose South Alabama to continue his college career.
Productive Sophomore Season
As a sophomore last season, Lewis recorded 17.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks. He made a visit to the South Alabama campus in early December.
After that visit, Lewis drew interest from Washington and Arizona State. Michigan, Illinois and Houston also showed interest later in his recruitment.
Closer to Home
Lewis told 247Sports that family played a large role in his decision.
“Well, I’m from Louisiana, so it would be close to home,” Lewis said. “My mom could come see me play, so it’s just the best fit for me right now. Just getting closer to home.”
Signing Day Ahead
Verbal commitments are not binding. National Signing Day, the first day high school and junior college prospects can sign National Letters of Intent, is Wednesday, Feb. 6.
South Alabama, coached by Joey Jones since the program’s founding, is preparing for the 2013 season, its first as a full member of the Football Bowl Subdivision and the Sun Belt Conference. The Jaguars play their home games at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile.
