Curtis High School (River Ridge, La.) is trying to do what only most schools could only dream about, and that's to win a second straight state championship.
This season the Patriots are 9-0 and currently ranked number one in the state of Louisiana by MaxPreps. Not only do they have a potent offense (46 points-per-game), but what’s even more impressive is a defense that has already posted five shutouts, including three in-a-row, and is only given up three points-per-game.
One of the main cogs in that defensive wheel is junior cornerback Prine Lewis.
“This season's been really going great for me,” said Lewis. “I really think we’re going to get that second straight state championship this year. We work really hard all week and watch a lot of film on our opponents to be successful. We're also working hard in the weight room and also on the field. We don't want anybody to score on us.”
This season, the 5-foot-9, 175-pound defender has been called upon to shut down the opposition on a moment’s notice and has answered the bell every time.
“I like being put on an island against the opponent’s best receiver,” he admitted. “I like to be able to use my skills and be a shutdown corner.”
His play on the field is already starting to garner attention from some of the top teams in the nation like Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Oregon, Nebraska, Missouri and a few others.
“Recruiting's been going pretty good right now,” claimed the Curtis standout. “I haven't received any offers yet, but I am receiving a lot of interest.”
Even though he's excited about the recruiting process starting up, he's equally excited to get it over before next season.
“I'd like to have my commitment done by next spring,” admitted Lewis. “I'm looking for a school with great academics, a great environment and somewhere where I can go and be comfortable. I'd also like to have some playing time as a freshman.”
One program he has yet to hear from, but definitely would like to is the Irish and head coach Brian Kelly.
“I really like Notre Dame,” he said sincerely. “I think it would be a good environment for me and my future. If Notre Dame decided to start recruit me, I would definitely like to get up there to visit and see everything.”
2015 DE Turning Heads Early
As the 2013 recruiting cycle starts coming to an end, a number of college programs have turned their sights upon the top targets of 2014, but there seems to be a 2015 prospect out there that is turning a lot of heads.
The talented sophomore, from South Carolina, is being categorized by most of his opponents as a ‘freak of nature’ and has been using his 6-foot-5, 230-pound frame to destroy anyone that stands in his way. He goes by the name of Shameik Blackshear (Bluffton, S.C./Bluffton).
“I'm an intense player that's always willing to do what it takes,” explained Blackshear. “I always want to get the job done and I take pride in my defense. When I get ready to hit somebody, I get real upset and I run as fast as I can and take out my anger on the quarterback.”
The carnage he creates on the field has already gained him a few fans in some the college elite programs.
“Recruiting has been going pretty well so far,” claimed the sophomore. “I'm starting to get some looks from schools like South Carolina, Clemson, Georgia and UCLA.
“I'm going to be looking for a school that has a family-like atmosphere. I'll also be looking for good tradition and I just want it to be a well-rounded school. I want to be part of a good team and have the crowd be really intense and hyped up on game day. I want a school to be loving and supportive of their football team.”
Even though there’s still a long time before he'll have to make any type of decision on where he wants to go to college, the budding South Carolina star has already starting to make the rounds to see what some of these universities have offer.
“I've taken a few visits so far,” he said. “I went to Clemson’s game against Ball State and I went to South Carolina's game against Missouri too. I'm hoping to go see South Carolina play Clemson in November.”
Being in ACC and SEC territory, watching the Irish has never been a top priority of his until just recently.
“I've been watching them play because Everett Golson plays for them and he's from South Carolina,” admitted Blackshear. “Our school played his school a few years ago in a championship game and he really is a good player. I didn't get to play in that game, but I watched it closely. In high school, he was very good, but at Notre Dame, he's amazing.”
Notre Dame's bright spot at quarterback isn't the only thing that’s caught his eye since he’s started watching the Irish.
“Before the season, I really wasn't a fan of that school, but they really have a strong defense,” stated Blackshear. “I play defense and I would love to play for defense like that. I mean they run around the field and dominate. I really hope to hear from them in the future.”
