Akron (Ohio) Hoban sophomore LaTroy Lewis recently concluded a fantastic season at defensive end for the Knights, and established himself as one of the top prospects in the class of 2012.
Lewis, nicknamed 'Primetime', used his 6-foot-4, 230-pound, frame to terrorize opposing offensive tackles. He also uses his quick feet to his advantage, and is one of the best pass-rushing defensive ends in the sophomore class at this point.
"I think I did really well this season, but I know I have a lot I need to improve on," Lewis began. "I did a lot of good things, and I had a good year, but next year I need to be able to use my hands better. When I watch the college defensive ends play I notice how much they use their hands to their advantage. Right now, I'm just using my speed to beat defensive tackles."
Lewis, who also plays basketball for the Knights, ran a 4.7 forty-yard dash at the Ohio State advanced camp, and earned praise from Buckeye defensive line coach Jim Heacock.
"I think my best advantage right now is my speed off the football," he stated. "I went to the Ohio State camp last summer and I learned a lot of different techniques. Coach Heacock told me things I needed to do better in drills and in one-on-one's. He talked to me about focusing on every play. I learned how to play lower going against a defensive tackle, to dip underneath him and get by him. Coach Heacock stressed not being predictable, and expanding my moves to have different ways to beat the man across from me. I tried to use what I learned from him this year at Hoban."
Even though he is only mid-way through his sophomore season, college recruiters have taken notice and several have contacted his high school coach seeking film.
"I've been contacted by Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Indiana and Illinois," he stated. "I know it's really early to be worried about that stuff, so I'm just trying to get better. Once basketball is over I will try to get to as many camps and combines as I can. I'm interested in a lot of schools right now. I like Pittsburgh, Ohio State, USC, Florida and Oklahoma right now, as well as a lot of other schools. I always liked Oklahoma as a kid growing up."