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Notre Dame football: Clarence Lewis a key for the Irish secondary in 2021

By Brad Weiss

Nov 14, 2020; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles running back David Bailey (26) is tackled by Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Drew White (40), safety Shaun Crawford (20), and cornerback Clarence Lewis (26) during the first half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2020; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles running back David Bailey (26) is tackled by Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Drew White (40), safety Shaun Crawford (20), and cornerback Clarence Lewis (26) during the first half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports /
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As a freshman, Clarence Lewis had a breakout season for the Notre Dame football team, appearing in nine games, and establishing himself as one of the top corners on this roster. A product of Mater Dei Prep (NJ) High School, Lewis made an impression right away after landing in South Bend and turned in an outstanding freshman season.

Lewis seemed to not be phased by the jump to the collegiate level and got better as the year went along. Making his first start against South Florida, Lewis not only had five solo tackles, but he also had three passes defended, keying the Irish defense in a 52-0 blowout victory.

From there, Lewis would become a key for the Irish in the secondary, and was even named the ACC’s Defensive Back of the Week for his efforts against Syracuse on December 5. For a position group looking for answers coming into the season, the freshman stepped up in a big way, and will now be counted on to be a leader with a new crop of cornerbacks coming in this season.

Notre Dame football reloading at cornerback in 2021

When it comes to the Notre Dame football 2021 recruiting class, there is a lot to like, especially at the cornerback position. While Lewis will be a starter for the Irish, there could be a true freshman alongside him in the starting lineup, as Ryan Barnes and Philip Riley have enrolled early, and will get a legitimate chance to start right away.

Both Barnes and Riley are four-star talents, and dominated at the high school level, giving Notre Dame football more depth at cornerback than they had during their undefeated regular season last year. Remember, Lewis was not considered a huge recruit last year, ranked No. 81 in the country at cornerback by Rivals.com, but he came in ready to compete for a starting spot.

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To succeed, Lewis is going to have to not only dominate on the field but be a leader for the young players, as he was someone who came in and started as a true freshman as well. He knows what it takes to come in and be a playmaker in Year 1, and while it remains to be seen who will be with him in the starting lineup, one thing is for sure, and that is Lewis could end up being an All-American before all is said and done.

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