New Saskatchewan Roughriders offensive lineman Percy Lewis IV already stands alone in franchise history.
At six-foot-eight and 380 pounds, Lewis is officially the heaviest player ever to wear green and white. However, the former Ole Miss Rebels football blocker believes there is far more to his game than size alone.
Lewis arrived in Saskatchewan after collegiate stops at Ole Miss, Auburn and Mississippi State, bringing experience, athleticism and small-town Mississippi roots with him.
The Sallis, Miss., native grew up around family, hard work and the outdoors. Despite his massive frame, Lewis said many people underestimated his athletic ability while he was growing up.
“A lot of people doubted me because they thought I was so big,” Lewis said. “They didn’t think I could run. But see, I played basketball too, so that helped me out.”
That mobility has already been noticeable during training camp. Lewis moves well in pass protection and joked that part of the reason comes down to something unusual for a player his size.
“I got little ankles,” he said. “A lot of guys my size got big ankles. They can’t move fast and swift like I can.”
Lewis joins the CFL after helping anchor one of college football’s most productive rushing attacks at Ole Miss. Prior to that, he earned All-SEC Honourable Mention recognition at Mississippi State while playing left tackle.
Now, the 24-year-old is adjusting to the Canadian game, including the wider field, pre-snap motion and Saskatchewan’s spring weather.
“I know that it’s cold out here all year round, so I’ve got to get used to that,” Lewis said. “I thought it was summertime. It ain’t summer here.”
Lewis said adapting to Canadian football has required technical adjustments, especially in pass protection.
“You’ve got to be a little more patient in pass sets,” he said. “Over here, you’ve got to get set and get your hands on them at the right time.”
Even so, Lewis believes understanding the playbook and personnel will make the transition smoother.
“You’ve got to know your personnel and know your plays,” he said. “If you know your plays and your personnel, everything’s going to be like clockwork.”
Off the field, Lewis has already mapped out life after football. After earning a business degree from Mississippi State, he hopes to start his own trucking company one day.
Lewis said his interest in trucking came from his father, who drove trucks professionally. Whenever he was old enough, Lewis would join him on trips and quickly grew to love the lifestyle.
For now, though, his focus remains on carving out a role with the Roughriders.
“The main thing is I just need to get my weight down a little bit more,” Lewis said. “They say I got good feet, but if I lose a little more weight, it’ll be a whole lot better.”
