Name: C’yontai Lewis
Height: 6-4
Weight: 229
Position: TE
Why did he redshirt?
Lewis was brought in as a project. The two-sport star in high school is supremely athletic but he didn’t have the size necessary to hold up playing tight end in the previous offensive system. The last staff refused to play tight ends that didn’t show adequate blocking in practice (even to the detriment to the offense) and while Lewis is a talented pass catcher, he was far from refined in the ways of blocking.
Lewis is long and lean and was much bigger than the kids he played against in a small division in Alabama. Lewis was able to body up smaller defenders and use his size as an unfair advantage. Because of this, Lewis never focused on or learned all the proper techniques that he will need to use if he wants to be successful at this level.
Depth at the position
Fortunately for Florida Jake McGee was granted another year of eligibility. McGee is your starter and the race for his backup isn’t even close. After McGee Florida has DeAndre Goolsby, Lewis, Moral Stephens and freshman Daniel Imatorbhebhe. I believe Imatorbhebhe and Stephens are still at least a year away from being ready to contribute.
Player Evaluation
Lewis is a tall, athletic, pass-catching tight end. He still does not have the size or technique to block in the SEC but he can be an asset in the passing game. Lewis needed a year to redshirt but with McElwain’s pro-style offense he will still need to work on his blocking ability.
2015 prognosis
It’s not clear how McElwain will use the offensive pieces that he has but we do know that McGee is going to win the starting tight end job. McGee is the most well rounded player at the position and someone that Lewis should look to model his game after.
However, after McGee there is playing time to be had and Lewis will battle with sophomore DeAndre Goolsby for that playing time.