Lewis looks to his moment as linebacker of Bulldogs

After three years in the program working his way up the ladder, John Lewis is ready for his moment this season.

The junior linebacker has learned under some great players like Jett Johnson and Bookie Watson and now it's his turn. Adding in a new system and a new defensive coordinator, it's a clean slate for all linebackers and Lewis is one of the players leading the way.

The Germantown High School product has a new number and a new outlook as he gets set for the season and he spoke about it with the media last week.

Question: What’s the energy level like the first few days of spring practice?

John Lewis: “The (first practice), the defensive side wasn't how we wanted it. That's why we came out (Saturday) with a lot of energy and got everybody going.”

Q: What are your impressions of Coleman Hutzler and what he brings to that side of the ball?

JL: “We all love him on defense. He's a players' coach. We've all bonded and it's like a family now. He communicates with all the players, defensive and offensive.”

Q: Are things different for you in this defense with what he wants to do formationally?

JL: “It's a lot different. I was a standup end and now I'm a legit linebacker now. The play calling and everything is different. I can do more. Last year I did one thing. I can blitz, cover and a little bit of everything.”

Q: What is your take on the State offense?

JL: “It's going to be hard to stop. I can't say much on it because they haven't put everything in, but it's going to be hard for opponents.”

Q: What are your thoughts on the growth of the younger linebackers?

JL: “It's a lot of maturity that has grown over the few months they've been here. Some of them that were here early filled a lot of shoes like Zakari (Tillman) and Javae (Gilmore). A lot of those type of guys are playing really good right now.”

Q: You guys lost some veteran at the linebacker spot. How much do you put that on yourself to be one of those leaders this year?

JL: “It's more of a brotherhood, it's not just one leader. We have an understanding of talking to each other and going to meetings. Everybody meeting up together to get some extra film in and do the little things. Do the uncomfortable and what you haven't been doing.”

Q: What are your thoughts on the transfers?

“We've just brought them in like we have forever. It's a new team, of course, but everybody is family. There are a lot of new players, but it's a brotherhood. We all came together like we've been knowing each other.”

Q: Early impressions on Stone Blanton?

JL: “That's my boy. He's a good player. He learns fast and he talks. He's a cool guy. I tried to get him to come here (out of high school). He's a dog. I try to learn from him because he played more than me last year. I try to take some things from him and translate it to my game.”

Q: What went into the number change?

JL: I wanted 6 but Tre (Wright) got it. I hit up coach Leb and told him I needed a new number. He asked what number I wanted, I was like what's available and he said 5. I said that's what I want. It's not what I wanted from day one, but I like it. It grew on me already.”