Tennessee found its quarterback in the 2017 class on Saturday evening when three-star C.J. Lewis (6-4, 200 pound) of Cheshire Conn., committed to the Vols.
203✈️865 #GoVols 🔶 S/o to @claywill3_ for the edit pic.twitter.com/W5GnOtqrsl
— Cj Lewis (@clew11_) July 23, 2016
Quarterback recruiting has been somewhat of a tricky road to navigate for the coaching staff this year.
Tennessee signed elite signal caller Jarrett Guarantano in the 2016 class. Sheriron Jones and Quinten Dormady, both former four-star QBs, are entering just their second year on campus, and the Vols are battling for a couple of the top quarterbacks in the 2018 class in Emory Jones and Trevor Lawrence.
That makes 2017 a bit complicated. Keeping the position well-stocked from a depth standpoint is important, but keeping everybody else happy had to be a consideration as well.
Lewis is certainly an under-the-radar type of prospect.
Ranked as the No. 1633 overall player in the class by the 247Sports Composite Ranking and only holding other offers from Buffalo, UMass and Boston College, he has somewhat limited high school experience heading into his senior season, but has been impressive when coaches have seen him throw in person.
He’ll be a bit of a project as a passer, but he does bring good size and athleticism to the position.
At the very least, he’ll add some depth and insurance at the position. And if he turns into an SEC starter, chalk one up for Butch Jones and Co.’s ability to evaluate and find a diamond in the rough.
