Cape Coral senior CJ Lewis signed with Jacksonville on Friday.
When National Signing Day arrived last month, Cape Coral senior CJ Lewis was still weighing his options.
Time made no difference to the Seahawks’ wide receiver, as long as the eventual decision resulted in a positive path for the next four years of his life.
He had choices ranging from a preferred walk-on package with the Florida State University football program, to merit scholarships with Football Championship Subdivision schools like Jacksonville and Stetson.
So he waited, consulted with his parents and ultimately made the decision to join a program on the rise like Jacksonville, which went 9-2 in 2015.
On Friday, Lewis signed his letter of intent to join the Dolphins. Cape Coral also recognized Madison Waddle, who signed with Indiana University’s rowing team, and Kaya London, who joined Buffalo State’s women’s lacrosse team.
“I had to make sure I made the right decision,” said Lewis, who also had offers to Indiana State and Lafayette. “This is an investment in my life and the next four years was a big decision to make. I just wanted to wait it out and make the best decision for me.”
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Lewis totaled 52 receptions for 779 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2015. He had four 100-yard games, including a career-high 135 yards and two touchdowns in his final game against Mariner on Nov. 6.
He finished with 91 catches for 1,364 yards and 13 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
“Honestly, this is the culmination of a plan and the beginning of a dream,” Lewis’ father Chris said. “Our focus has always been the plan, and the dream is just a bonus.”
Lewis, who plans to study economics at Jacksonville, ultimately had to choose a different path. His sisters, Arinelle and Asia, both attend FSU and the Seminoles worked hard to land Lewis as well.
Asia even learned she was accepted into FSU’s law program the same day Lewis signed with Jacksonville.
“Florida State, it was a great option, but I wanted to go somewhere where I was wanted and could play eventually,” Lewis said. “Jacksonville, when they first recruited me, I liked the coaching staff. They were on me heavy.”
Lewis eventually wants to set an example on the field.
“I’ve been underrated my whole life,” he said. “And I’ve had doubters my whole life.”
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“It was definitely a long, hard process,” Lewis added. “A lot of schools tell you they like you and there’s a lot of talking going on, but I’m glad I’m finally finished and signed with Jacksonville.”
Lewis will attend the school on a merit scholarship. He currently has a 3.92 GPA at Cape Coral.
Seahawks head football coach Larry Gary said Lewis often displayed his smarts on the field, too.
“He’s going to surprise some people,” Gary said. “He plays like 3.9 on the field. He’s a smart kid.”