Syracuse safety Clarence Lewis enters the 2025 NFL Draft as an experienced defender. The former Notre Dame transfer played five years of college football. Lewis was effective, totaling 161 tackles, 31 pass breakups, and four interceptions.
Lewis recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. He discussed transferring from Notre Dame to Syracuse, playing a versatile role, zone and man coverage, and so much more.
JM: Now that you've had time to reflect, how do you look back on the decision to transfer from Notre Dame to Syracuse?
Clarence Lewis: I’m happy I made that decision when I look back on it. I feel like it was a great decision. I met so many incredible people at Syracuse. We had a special locker room. I benefited from a different environment.
It was closer to home as well, so my family came to watch more of my games than usual. That was cool. I was excited about them having that possibility.
JM: You leave college football with 31 career pass breakups and four interceptions. What do you think it is about your game that allows you to make so many plays around the ball?
Clarence Lewis: I would point to my “want to” and my effort to rally to the football. Every season that went by, I feel like I developed my ability to make plays around the football. I took to the coaching, and the skills I learned at practice translated to the field.
JM: How would you describe your traits and abilities as a safety? Would you prefer to play downhill in the box as a man-coverage or run defender, or deep in the secondary in zone? What's your identity as a safety?
Clarence Lewis: Honestly, it doesn’t really make a difference to me. I like coming downhill and playing as a tackler. I’m at my best when keeping the action in front of me. I know that. Playing that deep safety role might be my best overall fit at the next level.
JM: We appreciate that evaluation. I’ll put you in a scenario then. Say it’s 3rd-and-long with the game on the line. It sounds like you’d prefer to be playing zone coverage on the deep with a chance to make a play on the ball, as opposed to playing man coverage.
Clarence Lewis: I would actually take the man-to-man option. I would prefer to be locked up on the best receiver. The competitive side of me wants them to throw the ball in my direction (laughs). I’ll give myself that challenge by putting myself in a high-pressure situation.
Playing zone with a chance to make a play on the ball would also satisfy me. I would take the man coverage option though.
JM: We love that. Are there any safeties you'd compare yourself to at the next level? Anyone you enjoy watching and studying?
Clarence Lewis: I really like watching Minkah Fitzpatrick. I definitely love watching his game. I was teammates with Kyle Hamilton at Notre Dame. I still watch his tape and enjoy learning from him. It was fun to shadow him at practice and learn from his work ethic and habits.
JM: Expand for me on what you learned from Kyle Hamilton. I’m sure he set an example.
Clarence Lewis: I definitely learned how to dissect the game. He also taught me how to go out there and play loose and free. He has a lot of fun when playing the game. He was always there for his teammates. He taught me how to work hard and create a path for myself.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Clarence Lewis?
Clarence Lewis: I’m definitely a high-effort player. I’m going to keep my head down and go to work no matter the situation. I’m a great special teams player as well. I have a high motor. I’m a genuine person who loves the game of football.
