Indiana hosts five-star QB Julian Lewis, lands two more commitments and impress several key targets
Curt Cignetti and the new Indiana staff hosted several top targets over the weekend. It was a 48 hours that has already paid off as the Hoosiers have landed a couple commitments and are tracking for more.
Cignetti believes he can win right away and those on campus believe it too.
With that, On3 takes you inside the happenings out of Bloomington beginning with one of the nation’s best.
Five-star QB Julian Lewis returns
For the second time this year, Carrollton (Ga.) High five-star signal-caller and USC commit Julian Lewis visited Bloomington after making the trip in February.
The Hoosiers are one of several still in the mix for Lewis who is also keeping Auburn and Colorado warm.
Co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Tino Sunseri and the long-standing relationship he has with Lewis and his family got IU in the door, but the Gatorade National Player of the Year Finalist is excited about the Hoosiers beyond that bond.
“Environment was good,” Lewis said. “Seeing the coaching staff was good. Some rebuilding going on right now with Indiana.
“The offense of course. The coaching staff is great. Me and coach Tino and they’re rebuilding things. That’s going to be a big factor, going into something and being able to build something from the ground up is definitely a big thing for me.”
Lewis will visit USC, Auburn and Colorado over the next three weekends. His recruitment could continue into the fall before he makes any final decisions.
That would also include a third trip to Indiana for a game.
“If I do go to a game it would be them vs Maryland,” Lewis said.
The On3 Industry tabs Lewis as the nation’s No. 2 quarterback and No. 10 prospect overall. He was joined by his father TC Lewis.
“Ju had a great time,” the elder Lewis said. “He really did.
“He really likes the town and family atmosphere among the team. He had a chance to spend a lot of time with the o-line. Obviously he sees what they’re trying to do and sees a real opportunity to do something different.
“From a dad’s perspective, one thing I can say, being around them and talking to the coaches there is no reason not to believe they don’t have a chance to win. Based on track record and the amount of support they have from the administration, they have a favorable schedule the next two seasons. They can be in the mix pretty quick.”
Sunshine State RB announces commitment
Clearwater (Fla.) Calvary Christian running back Sean Cuono took his official and committed to a place where he’ll add to the family legacy.
He went public with his plans on Monday.
Cincinnati, Minnesota, South Carolina and Kansas State were some of the 6-foot, 185-pound Cuono’s other recent offers.
“The relationship with the coach is the biggest thing,” Cuono said. “Me and Coach John (Miller) got a real tight relationship and half my family went there to so I gotta keep the family tradition going.
“About 20 family members went there all from my mom’s side and the new staff is great. They’re going to get the job done and more. The new staff took the program to a different level already.”
Over the last two seasons Cuono has rushed for 2,810 yards and 28 touchdowns. He’s added nearly 400 yards receiving and eight more scores over that span.
Tennessee DL gives his pledge to the staff
Columbia (Tenn.) Central defensive lineman Jhrevious Hall committed to Cignetti and company on Tuesday, choosing IU over Memphis and Missouri among others.
“What made Indiana right for me was the coaching staff,” Hall said. “They want to win and change the culture at IU. I feel like I fit their scheme very well. They want d-linemen that’s gonna get vertical and make plays in the backfield and that’s me. Another thing was they have one of the top business programs in the nation and I plan on majoring in business entrepreneur. Got to spend time with the players and they said it’s way different in culture change already. After that I knew it was the place for me.”
The 6-foot-2, 270-pound Hall was disruptive as a junior to the tune of 82 tackles, 13 sacks and four forced fumbles.
“I like IU’s energy,” Hall said in the spring. “The coaching staff is great, never gonna give up.”
Hall became commit No. 11 for Indiana in the 2025 class.
More sound from the weekend
Noblesville (Ind.) High On300 edge Israel Oladipupo is one of the program’s most coveted in-state targets.
“The visit to IU was very amazing and great!” Oladipupo said. “Some big takeaways for me was the medical facilities and also how the coaches are really hype for the change they’re looking forward to bringing to IU.”
Macomb (Mich.) Dakota offensive tackle Justin Bell raved about the experience.
“My visit was great,” Bell stated. “Got to spend a weekend with all the coaches and it showed me that they aren’t playing around. They are there to win and I could tell. I also spent time with (Bob) Bostad and could tell how much time he’s spent into coaching and I could trust him to be my coach. I also spent some time with some of the commits and I already got a great relationship with them. I don’t know where I’m going yet but they are definitely a school I could see myself at!
“They stand really high for me right now just on there mentality and culture it’s great.”
Nashville (Tenn.) Lipscomb Academy defensive lineman Antonio Carter seemed to really like his experience.
“I absolutely loved everything about IU,” Carter said. “The coaches, the players, Bloomington, and the photo shoot as well. Some big takeaways were about how much of a winning mindset the team has equipped already with Coach Cig! That being said it was also extremely easy to establish a relationship with every coach there and realize that everyone wanted common goals which was to be dominant and win.
“Overall, Indiana felt like an amazing atmosphere and place to play at.”
Stay tuned to On3 as more reaction comes in.