Georgia safety standout Lewis Cine can do everything!
The Georgia Bull Dogs safety’s stock is on the rise after his play in 2021 and for his MVP performance in the National Title game. Lewis is a physical player who is also the enforcer on the field, striking fear into opposing players. He has improved every year, and hasn’t missed a game. Viewed by most to be as close to a “can’t miss” prospect as there is, meet Lewis Cine!
Cine (pronouned SEEN) was born in Haiti October 5, 1999. His mother, Beatrice Seide, was 16 years old when Lewis was born (which is why Cine wears jersey #16) To Lewis, it represents how she is always with him, despite his mother never having been to the United States.
“My mom had me when she was 16,” Cine said. “So when she did, she struggled early on to raise me. Those times weren’t easy for her. I keep that time she took care of me when it was hard back then very close to my heart.”
When Lewis was 4 years old, he left his homeland for a more promising future in the US, moving in with family in Florida. Cine spent several years splitting his time between Haiti and Florida before settling to Everett Massachusetts to live with his father during middle school.
Cine has stated that he was introduced to football when he was in the second grade, but he didn’t play until he moved to Everett. Being late to the game never hindered Lewis, and he quickly developed skills that surpassed his peers who had played football their whole lives.
By his junior year, playing for Everett High School, he was already being recognized as one of the most talented players in the state, and was named defensive player of the year by USA Today. Cine had 65 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and a blocked kick that season, as Everett finished a perfect 12–0, winning the MIAA state championship.
The college champion also started to show off his speed, as he lettered in track and boasted times of 6.94 in the 55 meters, 11.70 in the 100 meters and 16.35 in the 110-meter hurdles.
Things were looking bright for the future Georgia Bull Dogs safety, but at seasons end the head football coach for Everett retired. Lewis, once again, was on the move. This time Cine was headed west, to Cedar Hill Texas, to live with an uncle.
His life was about to take a very furtitous turn towards reaching his goal of playing in the NFL!
Lewis enrolled at Trinity Christian High School where he was coached by none other than HOF cornerback Deion Sanders.
“Deion Sanders is really God’s gift to me,” Cine said
Under assistant coach Prime Time Sander’s tutelage, Lewis took his skills to an elite level.
Cine ended his senior year with 85 tackles, 13 (TFL), 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles. The season in Texas ended the same way his previous one in Massachusetts had. Lewis’ high school team went undefeated, (14–0) and won the state championship.
Lewis had garnered some attention from colleges in Everett, but it went to a different stratosphere while playing in the heart of football Heaven, in Texas.
The kid who arrived in America at age 4 now had his pick of Colleges, as he received 36 scholarship offers. He committed to Georgia, choosing them over in state colleges Texas, Texas A&M, as well as Michigan, Penn St and Florida.
Lewis showed a taste of what was to come in the future during his freshman year. He appeared in 14 games and earned the right to start in the final two, by showing his abilities during limited playing time, inlcuding his first collegiate INT.
By 2021 Cine had become the full time starter. The level of play (and the stat sheet) was even more impressive with the extra playing time. Lewis lead the Bull Dogs in tackles with 73, added 9 pass deflections, and an INT. After the season Lewis declared for the NFL.
His college career concluded with a National Championship and being named defensive MVP of the game!
As hard as Lewis has worked to make it to the NFL, the end goal has always been something far more dear to his heart.
“My dream is not all about making the league,” Cine said. “My dream is to move my Mom with me to America after I make the league. That’s different I guess than most kids. One day I am most likely going to be the one to work my butt off so she can come to America.”
This weeks NFL draft will bring that dream closer to becoming a reality.
Attributes:
Heading into the draft Cine is viewed as a first round talent and one of the top safety’s available- he is the full package
He has speed! The short bursts, top speed, and the ability to change directions
A hard hitter, Ouch! that’s going to leave a mark.- He is feared and always accounted for by opposing offenses. He makes ball carriers think twice about going over the middle when he is out there roaming.
Cine has natural instincts that can not be taught. He identifies routes and disrupts them in a hurry. He gave up only one TD in pass coverage!
He also wins the “you can’t see me” award. He was only one flagged once in 2021
Cine is vocal on field, and is a leader that helps teammates set coverages.
Lewis is never shy. He engages violent contact with ball carriers.
Seemingly always takes great angles to attack the football.
He is not just a big hitter, he’s also sure tackler.
Per PFF, Cine only missed 11 tackles during his 3 years at Georgia.
His footwork might be the best of any safety in the draft.
Athleticism? How about a 4.37-second 40-yard dash, a 36.5-inch vertical, and an 11-foot-1 broad jump at combine!
Good hands, he uses them to take advantage of bad throws and create turnovers.
He is an ascending talent who can do anything he’s asked. FS SS cover run def
Very coachable per Georgia Head coach Kirby Smart:
“When you design a safety, he’s got all the qualities… he’s really been a student of the game.”
His versatile style of play, and excellence as a down hill run stopper, is a perfect fit for the Eagles.
As always, thank you for reading
Follow me @PHLEagleNews
David
4/24/22