How good is 5-star Auburn QB target Julian Lewis when it counts?

**I have seen Julian Lewis in a camp setting many times. I have seen his highlight tape. I wanted to see a full game that had a lot on the line: Carrollton vs. Valdosta in the second round of the playoffs. I think I have an accurate picture of what Lewis brings to the table, but nothing is more important than game tape. I only looked at three quarters of game film due to Carrollton running away with the game.

1st quarter notes and analysis

— Early in the game, most everything given to Lewis was screens and hand-offs. Then, a 3rd and 20 situation. Lewis backs out of the pocket, has plenty of time, and throws an interception straight to a defender sitting in a zone. He looked to be in a rush through the entire play and made an off-balance throw.

— Lewis often threw off of his back foot. His mechanics are wonky at times and seems to be in a bit of a rush in game speed–at least to start out the game. Even still, one of his offset throws was nearly perfect on a fade throw to now Alabama receiver Caleb Odom.

2nd quarter notes and analysis

— There was a 3rd and 8 situation in the 2nd quarter. Lewis evaded pressure to the right and took off. He’s faster than I thought. He decided to walk it out of bounds instead of try and get the first down. I didn’t love this decision, but I guess, he saved himself from a potentially dangerous hit.

— Lewis was given a deep shot to Odom late in the second quarter. He was under pressure, stepped away from it and then made the throw. Good pocket presence, slightly under thrown, but ball placement was not bad. It was impressive play altogether for the difficulty of landing the ball in the right place.

— On at least three plays, Lewis rushed things. As a result, the play timing was off. I thought that was on him. There were other times when he was under big pressure.

— Carrollton was able to go to screens that usually take longer to develop in the high school game. With Lewis at quarterback, though, these plays were quick. He can get the ball out extremely quickly and on a rope.

— With 1:30 left in the first half, Carrolton goes with a deep switch route. It comes open way down field. Lewis had plenty of time, stepped up in the pocket, and let it fly. It was overthrown. He threw the ball standing on the 3 yard line and landed in on the opposite 45 yard line–52 yards in the air. Still, simply setting his feet could clean up this throw so much. A big missed opportunity there.

3rd quarter notes and analysis

— I would call Lewis’ first half performance a bit jittery. He didn’t look comfortable at times and rushed things too much. A lot of the offense was taken out of his hands as well. So, he never was able to get any kind of rhythm going.

— The best throw of the night by far.. an RPO. It is the RPO with the slant attachment. Lewis put it in the back’s stomach, quickly pulled it, and then the quick trigger throw to the slant. The ball was put out in front and allowed the receiver to run through. Touchdown from 30 yards out. That is what excites you about Lewis.

— On the next time, Carrollton goes back to the same play. Lewis has the same mechanics and throws another well-placed ball. The receiver was unable to make the play this time.

— Then a nice strike on the sprint out throw to a comeback route. Lewis is certainly a rhythm thrower. He has looked much more comfortable in this half.

— Again, Carrollton goes for the deep shot to Odom. Lewis, this time, is not in a rush. He goes through his steps, makes a good clean throw, and puts it on the money for another explosive play. The ball was slightly under thrown, but certainly accurate and in good time.

— Lewis throws a touchdown on the next play to Odom on a slant. Lewis is backing out of his steps, but still throws a strike right on the body of Odom. Great timing, great zip. He’s on fire at this point.

— On the very next drive, Lewis throws a quick out on the money and very much on time. That receiver caught the ball then had time to make a move. He took it to the end zone. Another touchdown. With around four minutes to go in the 3rd quarter, Lewis is 11/18, 187 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception.

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