Expected FIU signee Lewis could be program’s next star wide receiver
If a local coach is right, FIU might have its next superstar receiver.
Georgia Tech transfer Julian “Juju” Lewis, who is set to sign with FIU on Feb. 7, is a “matchup nightmare,” according to his former high school coach at Western, Adam Ratkevich.
Ratkevich was referring to Lewis’ size (6-2, 215 pounds), speed (4.5 range in the 40-yard dash) and leaping ability (he is a former basketball player).
“Julian could windmilldunk a basketball in high school, and we never saw a cornerback who could stop him 1-on-1,” Ratkevich said.
“He always seemed to win those 50-50 balls, and he’s a nasty blocker with outstanding hands and route-running ability.
“People can’t tackle him. He’s a grown man.”
Lewis said the presence of Keyone Jenkins as FIU’s starting quarterback helped him decide on FIU.
“I know they have a great quarterback,” Lewis said. “I grew up with him. We played [club] basketball together with the Night Ryders. We played 7-on-7 football together. We have that Florida connection. “I know he can get me the ball. I just need somebody to put the ball out there, and I can go get it. Even if it’s overthrown or a bad ball, I can still go get it.
“I have something to prove, and I’m 100 percent confident I can be that next guy at FIU.”
If those quotes aren’t convincing enough, Ratkevich said he sensed Lewis is “fired up” about his opportunity at FIU.
“He had some out-ofstate offers, but he wanted to come home,” Ratkevich said. “FIU is getting a Power 5 receiver who was dominant for us at Western. We led the state in passing, and he was our No. 1 receiver.”
Indeed, as a senior at Western, Lewis made first-team All-Broward, grabbing 77 passes for 1,260 yards and 14 TDs.
Things didn’t work out for Lewis at Tech. He got hurt and fell down the depth chart, never playing in his two years there.
Ratkevich said FIU’s receiver situation appealed to Lewis, who is likely aware that no Panthers player except Kris Mitchell caught passes for 450 or more yards last season.
Dean Patterson is FIU’s leading returning receiver with 28 catches for 423 yards and one touchdown, leaving ample room for Lewis and four other receivers who are part of the 2024 recruiting class.
In addition to coming home and also the favorable depth chart, Lewis should be comfortable at FIU because two of his former Western teammates are on the team: defensive end Nick Watson and linebacker Percy Courtney Jr.
Lastly, Ratkevich likes the impact FIU offensive coordinator David Yost figures to have on Lewis.
“People who know football know that Yost is a respected guy,” Ratkevich said. “He’s a dude. He’s proven he can do good things on offense.
“If Julian stays healthy, I will not be surprised if he becomes FIU’s leading receiver and one of the best players in Conference USA.
“I look forward to watching him rip it up.”
THIS AND THAT
Nosomy Pozo, a Southwest Miami High alum who is in his first year as the wrestling coach at St. Thomas University, said his top wrestlers are 141-pounder Thomas Williams and 165-pounder Wetzell Hill. Both are ranked in the top 25 in the nation in their weight class.