Tennessee football has landed its 12th commitment of the 2024 class. Four-star running back Peyton Lewis announced he would be committing to the Vols on Saturday.
Lewis ranks as the No. 215 prospect national by 247Sports Composite. He chose Tennessee over Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, Penn State and Florida.
“The people and the coaches within the program is something unlike any other college I’ve been to or any type of football experience,” Lewis told Off The Hook Sports. “They made a really big impact and I just love the state of Tennessee from being in and out of there with my family.
“It was like love at first sight when I got my offer.”
Lewis put up big numbers while often running against a stacked box. He rushed for 1,560 yards and 17 touchdowns while making the all-state team at running back and kick returner.
The prospect out of Salem (Va.) High School ranks as the No. 15 running back in his class. Lewis has formed a close relationship with Tennessee running back coach Jerry Mack through his recruitment.
“(My relationship) is very strong with coach Mack and coach (Aston) Walter,” Lewis said. “We talk a lot, I kind of treat him like an uncle. He loves my family. We’ve had a lot of fun talks together. Very great coach inside and outside of football, definitely knowledgeable about the sport. If there would be a place where I would want to spend my next four-to-five years, it would be surrounded by great positive people in a great learning environment.”
Lewis was extended a scholarship offer from Tennessee in February. Since then, he has been on campus two times in the spring for visits. He also has an official visit locked in for June 23.
Like Mack, Lewis has formed a great relationship with head coach Josh Heupel as well.
“He has done a tremendous job with Tennessee being one of the most explosive offenses in the SEC, and really in the country, is something appealing to me being a running back,” Lewis said. “They use the running backs a lot in their offense. Coach Heup has done really good with Tennessee, I have a great strong relationship with him and he does with my family too. It was great to meet him the first time, and after I really got to perceive who he was as a person, it helped me make my decision.”
Lewis, at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, brings something special to the Tennessee backfield. He holds several state titles for track, whiling clocking in a personal best time of 10.50 seconds in the 100-meter dash.
His state titles come in shorter races, like the 55-meter, showcasing his acceleration and top speeds.
“Tennessee runs a lot of dart schemes, and I know with my speed and my explosiveness and the rate of movement they run their plays at I would fit in great,” Lewis said. “Especially being an explosive offense and me being an explosive, fast, person. I think I will fit great in that offense.”
Tennessee’s 2024 class sat at No. 9 prior to Lewis’ commitment and is quickly turning into one of the top in the country.
As Lewis puts it, the 2024 class is going to be one of the top for Tennessee.
“Go Vols, and the 2024 class is coming up,” Lewis said. “They better not wait for us, it’s going to come quick. This 2024 class is going to be on top.”
