WR Robert Lewis high on Derrick Nix as OC: 'He's receiver-friendly, so I think that was a great hire'

AUBURN – Georgia State wide receiver transfer Robert Lewis entered the portal, visited Auburn, then committed a few hours after the visit wrapped up. After a back and forth recruitment in high school, it makes sense that Lewis was not interested in dragging things out.

“My first offer in my junior season (high school), I got from Rutgers,” Lewis said. “Then I started picking up multiple offers down the road for DB, cornerback–from some big schools like Tennessee, Purdue. Then I had another offer for receiver from Kentucky and Louisville. But, I wasn’t highest on their board. I tried to commit there and they wouldn’t take me.”

Georgia State was always there in his recruitment. He decided that was the best school for him and being close to home. Lewis spoke very highly of Georgia State and his time there.

“I had the option at Georgia State and they really wanted me there,” Lewis said. “I took advantage of that opportunity because it was close to home. My parents could come see the games if they wanted to. Of course, I did like Georgia State growing up. We used to go to the games my freshman year in high school.”

Why Auburn?

Why was Auburn such an easy move for Lewis?

“Just the hospitality that was here, and the opportunity, of course,” Lewis said. “Knowing they needed receivers, I think I am able to be that type of receiver to help the room and the team. I am pleased with my decision. I think I made the right decision. There were a lot of things in the offseason with people getting fired and whatnot. I had concerns, but the hires that Coach Freeze made helped me feel better about my decision. Coach Nix, he was a receivers coach, now he’s the offensive coordinator. He’s receiver friendly, so I think that was a great hire. It was perfect for what I want to accomplish here.”

So far, the transition from Georgia State to Auburn has been an easy one due to the offense having similar terminology and style.

“The transition has been good with coming to school,” Lewis said. “I think the classes are a little bit harder, but it’s nothing too big for me. I am willing to take on that challenge. Getting adjusted to the offense has been pretty smooth as well. I like to think I was taught good at Georgia State. Everything they’re teaching here is really kind of the same things.”

“The up-tempo offense, that’s kind of what we were in at Georgia State. I’m kind of familiar with the offense of fast-paced movement. Getting adjusted to the offense is pretty simple. As long as you know what you’re doing inside the playbook, shoot, the sky is the limit.”

Where is Lewis lining up in the Tigers’ offense this spring?

“Mostly I am inside, but when we go 12 personnel I can go outside. Mainly this spring I have been working inside,” Lewis said.

What he sees from others on the team so far

Lewis is aware that Auburn’s passing game was not up to par a year ago–it’s one of the reason he chose Auburn. He still believes the returning receivers have the ability to be much better.

“I really think that everybody in the receiver room is ready to play in this offense,” Lewis said. “We have a lot of good receivers. Just talking to some of the guys that were here last year, I could tell that they’re good at football, there were just some things that weren’t working out. Whether it be injuries or the offensive style. With the newcomer guys, Cam Coleman, Bryce Cain, still have two more coming in–those guys have a bright future. Hopefully with my experience I can rub off on those guys.”

What stands out about the young guys that were hyped coming into Auburn?

“The work ethic (of the young guys),” Lewis said. “Cam, he has a good work ethic. He’s still young, still going to have growing pains, but for me, he is one of the best freshmen I have seen in my college years. It’s exciting to be alongside him. I think the sky is the limit for him as well with Bryce (Cain).”

With the quarterbacks, Lewis sees good qualities in each of the four. He knows whoever wins the job will be the right choice.

“Everything to me has been pinpoint perfect,” Lewis said. “I know there’s a competition in their room, but I have respect for all the quarterbacks. Payton, Holden, Hank, and Walker, I think they’re all good quarterbacks. Hopefully they all can improve with each other. Whoever wins will be the best quarterback for the team.”

Who is the toughest defensive back he has gone against in practice so far?

“Toughest DB.. Well, I go against the safeties, but–there’s a couple of good ones. I’d say Jerrin Thompson is one of them. Sylvester (Smith), he’s a good young guy, too. Champ (Anthony) and Keionte Scott–all of those are good ones. Those are the best competition I have had this spring.