Lewis-Washington headed to Carson-Newman

BAKER – In his one year as a member of the Baker football team, Justyn Lewis-Washington was Mr. Versatility.

At one time or another Lewis-Washington lined up at tight end, wide receiver and running back for the Gator offense. He also played defensive back, linebacker and defensive end for the Baker defense.

Things on the football field probably won’t be so hectic for him this fall as he makes the transition to college football.

Lewis-Washington has signed a letter-of-intent to play for NCAA Division II powerhouse Carson-Newman College and he is expected to play defensive back for the Jefferson City, Tenn., school.

“They gave me the option of playing wide receiver or DB (defensive back) -- whatever one I wanted to choose,” he said.  “But they said they needed me to play DB because they were lacking that (depth at the position). So that’s where I’m going to play, defensive back.”

Lewis-Washington didn’t start pursuing his college options until the Gators finished their football season.

“I realized it was time to get focused and get to the next level,” he said. “I found Carson-Newman through one of my mom’s friends. He said it was a really good Christian college and I always wanted to go to one.

“So I sent them my film. They called me. I went up there and visited and I loved it.”

The Eagles are coached by Ken Sparks, the winningest coach in Division II history with 276 victories to his credit.

Meeting his college coach was a thrill for Lewis-Washington and knowing that he’ll be playing for a legend inspires him to dig deeper.

“I knew he was experienced and would get the job done,” Lewis-Washington said. “So it was just a great experience to have (meeting and having the opportunity to play for Sparks).

“It makes you want to try harder and get the job done.”

Lewis-Washington played for three schools in Okaloosa County.

As a freshman and sophomore, he attended Crestview where he played for the Bulldogs. As a junior, he attended

Rocky Bayou Christian in Niceville and was a member the first Knight football team before ending up in Baker for his final high school year.

It didn’t take long for Lewis-Washington to make an impact, not only on the Gator football program but at Baker School as well.

“I wish would have had Justyn since he was a ninth grader,” Baker head football coach and athletic director Bob Kellogg said.  “Justyn has great character. Not only does he have the great character, but he’s a great student and he’s a good athlete.

“You put it all together and he has made a big difference at our school. He works with some of our younger kids in counseling and as a mentor to them.”

Lewis-Washington has shown that not only is he a versatile athlete on the football field, but that he’s also an athlete for every season.

At the end of football season he joined the basketball team and now he’s hit the oval circle as a member of the Gator track team.

Kellogg joked that Lewis-Washington will enjoy his college experience if for no other reason than the fact that he’ll only have to concentrate on one position in one sport.

But as Kellogg pointed out, the most important thing is that Lewis-Washington found the school that is right for him.

“It is a great fit for Justyn.” Kellogg said. He’s a great Christian kid and coach Sparks up there is a great Christian man and he’s a legend in the coaching profession, especially in that classification.

“He’s going to a place where it is a great program and greatly established and I think Justyn is a great fit. They are going to love him up there and we are going to miss him here.”