Ray Lewis’ son follows in father’s footsteps, commits to Miami

Ray Lewis III has already stoked plenty of excitement with his blend of power and agility in his first three seasons as a running back at Lake Mary (Fla.) Preparatory School. Now he's officially following in his father's footsteps, committing to play college football for the University of Miami.

As first reported by Rivals.com University of Miami affiliate CaneSport.com, Lewis III agreed to join the University of Miami's Class of 2013 on Monday, giving Hurricanes coach Al Golden his commitment in person alongside his more famous father. The younger Lewis committed as soon as he received the offer during an on campus visit on Monday, which the Lewis family made together, then announced the decision publicly on Twitter Tuesday.

Lewis III has made his name in Florida football circuits primarily as a running back, but that doesn't ensure he won't move to the defensive side in college. The junior has also been a significant contributor (albeit a less high profile one) as a safety.

"Ever since I was born, it has always been Miami," Lewis III told CaneSport. "My mom and dad both went to Miami and so much has gone on through the years. But I took a tour today and I just felt like this was home. The way the players practiced, talking to the players and the coaching staff. I just felt like I was home. This is a great day."

Given his father's reputation, it may be even more difficult for Miami coaching staff to overlook Lewis III's defensive talents than his offensive explosiveness.

Regardless of where he's played, Lewis III said he was happy to be a part of the Miami program, which has been as much a part of his DNA as the teen's leadership qualities on the field.

His father, for one, is already getting goosebumps about how his son could contribute at 'The U'.

"It's hard as a father," Ray Lewis told CaneSport. "It's hard. It's so hard. I was sitting in the office and I didn't want to show my emotions in front of [Miami head coach Al] Golden. But I had butterflies. Once he started to get older and started to understand, and I saw what he was turning into, I said 'Oh my God.' I used to say can you imagine if you went to UM? Can you can you imagine if you followed that up.

"I dreamed about this from the time he came out. The first thing I said when I saw I had a son was, wow, my son is going to go to UM. Now it's almost like looking in a mirror. The way that he talks, the way that he walks. It's one of the most awesome things I have ever seen. And now he is a Hurricane."


(yahoosports.com)