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Notre Dame Football 2021: 25 Most Impactful Players, No. 10-6

By Jack Leniart

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 19: Defensive lineman Isaiah Foskey #7 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish attempts to tackle running back Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers in the second quarter during the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 19: Defensive lineman Isaiah Foskey #7 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish attempts to tackle running back Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers in the second quarter during the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end Jahleel Billingsley (19) is brought down by Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) and cornerback Clarence Lewis (26) during the first half in the Rose Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end Jahleel Billingsley (19) is brought down by Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) and cornerback Clarence Lewis (26) during the first half in the Rose Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame Football 2021: 25 Most Impactful Players, No. 10-6

10. Clarence Lewis, Defensive Back

  • Best Ranking: 6
  • Worst Ranking: 18

Clarence Lewis was a three-star prospect from Edison, New Jersey. 247 Sports ranked him as the third-best defensive back in Notre Dame’s 2020 recruiting class, but despite that, Lewis was able to make an immediate impact for the Irish.

Notre Dame’s cornerback depth chart experienced a bit of turnover heading into the 2020 season. Troy Pride left for the NFL, Shaun Crawford made the transition to the safety position, and Nick McCloud transferred in from NC State. There was an open competition for both starting cornerback jobs, and Clarence Lewis seized that opportunity.

Lewis played in all twelve games for the Irish last season. He started in five of those games – including the ACC Championship and College Football Playoff Semifinal. In those twelve games, Lewis accounted for 33 total tackles, seven pass break-ups, and a forced fumble.

After an auspicious start to his college career, defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame staff are hoping that Lewis can develop into a true lock-down corner. He is already being compared to former Irish cornerback Julian Love. If Lewis can continue his progression, he could depart for the NFL after his junior season just like Love did.

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