Rashaan Lewis, Son of Ray Lewis, Steals The Show At Kentucky Open Practice

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In his Pro Football Hall of Fame speech, Peyton Manning made an excellent quip about Ray Lewis’s meandering induction speech from 2018.

Ray Lewis was always a passionate, intense player who led by example. It’s no surprise that the legendary Baltimore Raven raised a son who is also capable of playing at a high level. If reports from camp are true, Rahsaan Lewis, Ray’s son, may be on a path to greatness as well.

Lewis the younger recently signed on as a transfer with the Kentucky Wildcats, after bouncing around different mid-major Florida programs for two seasons. In his short time with the team, he has already established himself as a consistent, athletic option at wideout. In an open practice Saturday, Lewis twice made sensational, acrobatic grabs for touchdowns of about 40 yards against double coverage in 11-on-11 drills. His biggest highlights were versus second-string defensive backs, but if he continues to impress, no doubt he will have a chance to prove himself against the 1s soon.

Lewis admitted that a big part of his speedy ascendance from unknown transfer to possible starter was thanks to fifth-year senior Josh Ali stepping up as a leader for him, much like his father once did for his teammates.

“ been a big mentor to me,” Lewis said. “ ... He’s like, ‘Bro, I know what you can do, you just gotta play ball.’ So that’s what I did (in the spring). I see myself playing well and having a great year.”

A lot of the receiver corps’ success will depend on who wins the quarterback competition as well. As of now, there seems to be three guys in the mix. According to Kentucky Sports Radio, PSU transfer Will Levis has tremendous arm talent. The football jumps off of his hand and he possesses a quick release. Levis also demonstrated the ability to make all the throws in the passing tree and impressed during team periods. Beau Allen also played at a high level and displayed accuracy in the intermediate passing game. Joey Gatewood ran with the first team offense and had some success. Levis seems to be the leader in the clubhouse at this point, but the battle is far from over.

The Wildcats open the season on Sept. 4 against LA-Monroe.

Cover photo by Alex Slitz, Lexington Herald-Leader.