One of Mississippi’s top offensive players approaching the 2023 season is Northwest Rankin High School running back Dylan Lewis. At 5’10, 190 pounds, Lewis has been a workhorse for the Cougars rushing for 1,150 yards and 13 touchdowns a season ago including multiple 200 yard outings. With the help of his vision and patient running style, Lewis has emerged as one of the top running backs in the state after being named the team’s Offensive MVP.
“My biggest strengths include having good vision, being a hard runner, and being a student of the game. My running style can be described as slippery, powerful, attacking, and very agile.”
The All-Region and All-State selection compares his game to former Michigan State and Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell because of his patience, but he also has deceptive quickness and is very slippery to try and bring down as he has the ability to break multiple tackles. In the weight room, the powerful runner can bench press 275, squat 475, power clean 225, and can deadlift 500 pounds. If needed, he can jump over defenders showcased by his 30 inch vertical jump.
Even though it is his natural athletic ability that has helped him become an elite runner in the state of Mississippi, it has been his experience on the defensive side of the football that has helped him even more on the offensive side.
“It allows me to get a better insight into what the defense is doing. I always use it to my advantage.”
When Lewis is on defense, he has been productive there as well by having 22 tackles and two interceptions last season, but it is running the football that he has shown that he can take over a game and there is no better example in this case than his 236 yard performance against Meridian last fall.
“Our game against Meridian High School stood out the most because I was able to play against another top running back on the other side of the ball.”
Despite being the Brandon, Mississippi program’s go to guy on offense, Lewis has a humble approach and just lets his play on the field do the talking.
“I’m a young man of few words, who is very determined and grateful. However, I can flip a switch and become a beast as soon as I hit the field.”
Lewis has consistently flipped the switch over his high school career, but heading into his senior year in 2023, he feels that there is a lot more to accomplish after the Cougars made the playoffs in 2022.
“My goals for the upcoming season will be to continue to work hard and rush for 2,000 yards. The ultimate goal is to help lead our team to a state championship.”
“I’m looking forward to this year’s version of the Cougars because we will be more experienced as a team while under the leadership of great coaches.”
Although the honors have racked up over last season, Lewis is hoping for more of the same when it comes to the recruiting process.
“I must admit that the recruiting process has been very frustrating. When you put in the work and know that you have God given athletic skills and attributes, it’s surprising when you seem to go unnoticed. Also, by having a recent hamstring injury, I haven’t been able to showcase my true speed during recent camps. However, I do believe that in the end, all things will work out.”
“I have received an offer from Northwest Community College and interest from Copiah-Lincoln and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community Colleges. I am grateful.”
Northwest Rankin’s two way player also has the grades to get into college as he has a 3.7 GPA and the bloodlines with his dad Derrick “Bo” Lewis playing both college and professional football.
“My dad played collegiate football at Jackson State University as a cornerback. He signed as a free agent with the Tennessee Oilers and went on to play in the Canadian Football League for 8 years with the B.C. Lions and the Toronto Argonauts.”
Dylan Lewis will like to continue the family legacy of collegiate athletes and the Northwest Rankin rising senior just wants the opportunity to show what he can do as he has done so when given the chance.
“When given a chance, I will always put forth 110% in all I do. I am a natural born leader and most importantly, a team player. At the end of the day, I’m excited for where God wants me to be.”
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