2022 NFL Draft: Top prospects to watch in Louisiana vs. Texas

2022 NFL Draft Prospects Levi Lewis and D’Shawn Jamison square off in a non-conference battle of ranked opponents to open both of their seasons.

This is a tough spot for Steve Sarkisian in his first game at the helm for Texas. The boosters will expect him to win this game against a Sun Belt opponent, but due to the number of 2022 NFL Draft prospects that the Ragin’ Cajuns have, this will likely be a hard-fought game. Formerly Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana has preseason first-team all-conference players on offense, defense, and special teams, and they’ve gone a combined 21-4 over the last two years.

Their quarterback is a big reason why.

#23 Louisiana at #21 Texas 4:30 PM ET FOX

Louisiana QB Levi Lewis

Lewis is as unique and dynamic a player as you’re going to see in college football. He’s been dubbed the “left-handed Kyler Murray” due to his frame (5’10” 185), and skill set. Lewis is a super senior taking advantage of the COVID eligibility rules. He’s a true dual-threat and can excel in modern offenses that utilize zone reads and run-pass options. His shiftiness and speed in the open field set him apart from many other quarterbacks when it comes to running the ball.

His ability to deftly use touch on some passes and drive the ball on throws outside the numbers will suit him well at the next level. For his career, Lewis has averaged four yards per carry (including sacks) and has scored 9 rushing touchdowns, and he’s averaged eight yards per pass attempt with a TD-INT ratio of 54-14.

But the most important stat for the Baton Rouge native is his record as the starter: 21-4, with no loss coming by more than 10 points. A Sun Belt title for Louisiana and a breakout year for Levi Lewis could establish his status as a mid-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Texas DB D’Shawn Jamison

This senior defensive back was a selection for the preseason All-Big 12 team and was one of only two Longhorns to be selected. After watching the film, it’s easy to see why. Jamison might only be 5’10” 184, but he excels at coming up and making solid tackles in run support. He also has great hand-fighting skills, as multiple times he knocked passes away from bigger receivers as they were trying to come down with the catch.

For his career, the Lamar High School (Tx.) alumnus has 3 interceptions and 9 passes defended.

But what really sets D’Shawn Jamison apart is his artistry in the return game. He possesses soft hands and blinding speed, and he’s decisive with his cuts, especially on kickoff returns where he’s scored two touchdowns and averaged 28.9 yards per return over his three years in Austin. He’s also returned punts and averaged a solid 8.4 yards per return over his career with a touchdown to boot.

The multifaceted ability and tantalizing tools of D’Shawn Jamison make him a great candidate to be picked at some point in the 2022 NFL Draft.