Lewis-Freeman reported to Orangeburg, S.C., Monday, a month before his freshman season at South Carolina State kicks off. And while he may get the occasional carry out of the backfield, most of Lewis-Freeman’s playing time will come as a slot receiver in S.C. State’s spread offense.
“When I first started off, it was a little rough because I wasn’t used to going out on routes,” says Lewis-Freeman, who worked out with the Bulldogs this summer.
Hopewell’s leading scorer last year with 15 touchdowns, Lewis-Freeman racked up 5.1 yards per carry on his way to 1,117 yards. He also caught 15 passes for 109 yards, with most of that production coming either on screens or dump-offs in the flat after he came out of the backfield. Lining up as areceiver, however, is a new challenge.
“It’s a big change, adjusting to everything,” says Lewis-Freeman.
Regarded as a tough back to bring down during his high school days, Lewis-Freeman has always relied on the strength of his legs to make plays, blending speed with power as an all-around back. Butnow, he’s trying to hone his pass-catching skills. Over the summer, he has caught between 100 and 200 passes a day and modeled his workouts after those of pro receiver Chad OchoCinco, who has training videos online.
“My hands have been getting better,” says Lewis-Freeman.
Lewis-Freeman, who was at one of Hopewell’s workouts last week, has gained 20 pounds since this time last year. His 5-foot-7 frame now carries 195 pounds.
He’s joining a solid program in the Football Championship Subdivision, formerly Division I-AA. After a 9-3 season and postseason appearance last year, S.C. State is the preseason favorite to win the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) title this fall. The Bulldogs shared the MEAC’s top spot last season with rivals Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M, after securing outright league championships in 2008 and 2009.
The Bulldogs open the season at Central Michigan Sept. 1.
“I’m just excited, just getting ready,” says Lewis-Freeman. “It’s going to be loud. I’m just too excited.”
S.C. State will also play a non-conference game at Indiana Sept. 17.
