2020 McAdams High School graduate and star offensive lineman Percy Lewis IV officially signed a letter of intent today to continue his football career at Mississippi State University.
Lewis, who spent the last two seasons playing at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, de-committed from the University of Oregon in November before making his final decision today to remain a Bulldog. A three-star recruit, Lewis is the third-highest ranked junior college offensive tackle nationwide and the leader in the state, according to 247Sports Composite JUCO player rankings.
McAdams Head Football Coach Kenneth Nelson said the moment was a big event for the school and community, as well as Lewis.
Head Coach Kenneth Nelson and Percy Lewis shake hands after Lewis announced his decision.
Landon Gibson / The Star-Herald
“Talk about about a big-time guy in a big-time town, in little old Sallis, Mississippi,” said Nelson. “We are definitely proud of him and wish him the best moving forward.”
Nelson said Lewis has a passion for the game of football, which is essential to those that make it to the next level. And his athleticism makes him even more invaluable.
“He loves football. To make it to that level and beyond, you’ve got to love it. I think once he came along his senior year, he realized how much work he had to put into it, as far as being in the weight room,” said Nelson. “And I think one major quality he has is the athleticism of a dog-gone wide receiver. He is super athletic and he loves to run.”
Lewis told The Star-Herald being at McAdams, signing to further his future in front of his former coaches, administrators, and classmates along with family and friends was a blessing from God.
“It’s a blessing to be here and for the people I grew up with to come and see that you don’t have to go anywhere else to go big, man,” said Lewis. "It’s a blessing and I want to thank God for it.”
Lewis said his time growing up in McAdams taught him how to be a man, and qualities instilled in him by his mother and father helped him become that.
Lewis at signing day, center, surrounded by his family (L to R): Melinda Hall, Frankie McQueen, Marcus Burkes, Shavietric Burkes, Percy Lewis III, Felicia Brown, Patrick Lewis, Mr. E. Lewis, and Kendrioun Brown.
“Number one, it really taught me how to be a man. Daddy was always hard on me but like he says, it’s better to be hard than soft,” said Lewis. “If you’re soft, there ain’t no telling what may happen to you. I want to thank my Mama, my Daddy, my grandparents, uncles, and everybody in this whole family for what they did for me.”
Lewis said he is excited to get to Mississippi State, and he looks forward to beginning preparations to play at the next level.
