Like father like son. For Ray Lewis III, that saying ran particularly true on National Signing Day. Lewis III signed his letter of intent to play for the University of Miami Wednesday, just like his father, Super Bowl champion Ray Lewis. His mother also attended Miami, so it is safe to believe that Lewis III was going there all along.
Lewis III joins 11 other players to send in letters on intent to Miami on Wednesday, along with five early enrollees already attending classes. He signed his letter of intent early on Wednesday at a ceremony at his high school, Lake Mary Prep, in Orlando, Fla. His father was by his side the whole time. Lewis is proud to see what his son has become, both as a man and as a player.
"His head is on pretty straight and we've done a heck of a job as parents with keeping him kind of even keel. He understands that it's a business and he understands what he's doing to college for, and that's to get his education. Sports definitely come second," Lewis said.
Lewis III was expected to sign with Miami after being linked to the program for many years. His father attended school and played football for Miami from 1993 to 1995. He was member of the 1994 team that went to the Orange Bowl before losing to Nebraska who went on that year to win the National Championship. Lewis left Miami his junior year to enter the NFL Draft, the same year Lewis III was born.
"I made a stand my junior year in college, the year he was born, that it was my time to go to the league. Now the year that he's walking into college I've made another stand that it's time for me to leave the league. Him being born has been a factor in entering the league and leaving the league," Lewis said.
It has been a banner week for the Lewis family. First, the elder Lewis ended his storied 17-year career in the NFL with a win at the Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers and now his son will follow in his footsteps at Miami. As one career is finishing in the family, another career is just beginning.
At 5-foot-9, 190 pounds, Lewis III is listed as "athlete" on most recruiting sites. It is unclear what position he will play at Miami, but he did record 93 touchdowns as a running back in high school.