National signing day has come and gone with most of the football players across the country already inked into their respective schools.
At Fresno State, it was no different with coach Pat Hill signing 18 future Bulldogs, the lowest number during his tenure. Out of all the new signees, there were three players from the Valley.
One of those players was highly-touted defensive end Donavon Lewis from Clovis West. His last name is familiar to the program with his brother Chris Lewis just finishing his career as a Bulldog this past fall and his father James Lewis playing as a linebacker in the 1980s.
The Clovis West senior entertained other offers, but leaned heavily on his family’s rich Fresno State past.
“They always wanted me to weigh my options and see what’s out there,” Lewis said.
Lewis also had offers from Washington State, Nevada and San Jose State but chose Fresno State based on comfort.
“I took my trips to Washington and Nevada,” Lewis said. “Those places were nice, but they weren’t my fit. Fresno seemed like a better fit for me. They already know what us Lewises are about and what we’re capable of. I’m pumped to come play ball for Fresno State.”
Brother Chris Lewis started at defensive end for Fresno State last year. The youngest Lewis might be following in his footsteps in this area as well.
This season, Lewis broke his brother’s career sack record with his 25 total sacks during his career. His brother held the record for five years.
The career sack leader at Clovis West also enjoyed success last year with his team winning the Division I championship over Bakersfield. He contributed to his team’s championship run with 75 tackles, 12.5 sacks and one interception, according to the Fresno Bee.
After playing on the defensive line last year, Lewis thinks that he will be used in other ways on defense.
“They see me as a tweener,” Lewis said. “Defensive end and outside linebacker so they want to be able to use me in drop [coverage]. Certain pass defenses. Cover three whatever so they will be able to drop me back and play a little bit of backer. I’m just down to play.”
Although the new season doesn’t start until August, Lewis has aspirations of being an immediate impact player on one of the Western Athletic Conference’s top pass-rush defenses last year.
“I’m going to be there,” Lewis said. “Be involved with the program as much as possible before I actually have to join the squad. Being there will give me a chance to get the plays down and get a lot of the formations down, so I don’t come in July and have any idea of the playbook.”