By Rich Chrampanis
MIDDLETOWN – The recruiting cycle for Division I football’s class of 2020 is underway and Mater Dei Prep’s Clarence Lewis is already off the board.
The talented wide receiver and defensive back has given a verbal commitment to play for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Lewis made the official announcement Monday after spending the weekend in South Bend.
Lewis saw Division I offers pile up in the spring with the number reaching 15. Boston College, Nebraska, North Carolina State and Purdue were among the schools across the nation recruiting the Seraphs’ two-way playmaker, but Notre Dame once again came into our backyard to add depth to their roster. Red Bank Catholic tight end Kevin Bauman, a senior like Lewis, gave his verbal commitment to coach Brian Kelly’s program a year ago.
Lewis made the announcement via his social media accounts. “I would like to start off by thanking God because without him none of this would be possible,” Lewis said. “I’d like to thank my mother for being there with me through this whole journey and all the sacrifices she made to get me here to- day. Also, thank you to my family, friends, coaches and teachers shaping me into the person I am today. Last I’d like to thank all the schools that extended offers to me. With that being said I am grateful and extremely honored to announce that I will be attending the University of Notre Dame.”
Lewis was a huge factor on both sides of the ball for the Seraphs in 2018, helping Mater Dei to a 10-2 record and a spot in the state finals for the third consecutive year. As a receiver, he hauled in 21 catches for 411 yards and six touchdowns. His 29- yard TD catch with 41 seconds left against DePaul Catholic gave Mater Dei a win that sent shock waves through the state and a spot in MetLife Stadium for the state title.
Notre Dame will slot Lewis in their secondary using his great length and closing speed to try and shut down ACC receivers. As one of the leaders of the Mater Dei defense, Lewis had 31 tackles, two caused fumbles and six interceptions, three of which were returned for touchdowns. In the 14-10 loss to Red Bank Catholic in the championship game, Lewis had a pick and a forced fumble.
Coach Dino Mangiero has brought the Seraphs to the next level in New Jersey and the pipeline to elite colleges continues as Lewis is the latest name to land at a big-time program.
