Liberty junior defensive lineman Austin Lewis has entered the transfer portal, as he announced on his social media accounts.

Lewis was one of the highest rated recruits in Liberty’s first FBS recruiting class, the final full class Coach Gill and his staff put together. He originally joined the program as a defensive end but beefed up to 270 pounds prior to the 2020 season and split his time at defensive end and at defensive tackle. This season, he played in all 10 games, starting 2, and recorded 10 tackles and 0.5 tackle for loss.

He played in 34 games during his three year career at Liberty, making 9 starts. He broke onto the scene in a big way during his true freshman campaign in 2018 as he was named the VaSID Defensive Rookie of the Year and was the first player in program history to earn All-America honors at the FBS level as he was named a Freshman All-American by the Football Writers Association of America. He finished his rookie season with 24 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, a QB hurry, and a fumble recovery.

As a sophomore in 2019, Lewis saw playing time in 12 of Liberty’s 13 games as he missed the UMass game with an injury. He fought through nagging injuries throughout the season but still managed to finish the year with 33 tackles, 5.5 TFLs and 1.5 sacks.

Lewis is originally from Jonesborough, Tennessee where he played at David Crockett High School. He was a three star recruit with offers from Appalachian State, Cincinnati, Colorado State, FAU, Kansas State, UMass, Memphis, Navy, and UCF.

“This is a tough decision but I know that it is the right one for my family and I,” Lewis said in his statement. “First off I would like to thank Coach Gill and Coach Freeze along with there staffs for teaching me lessons that have helped me to grow as a man, future father, and husband. I also want to thanks Flames Nation and the city of Lynchburg for their endless support of me and the rest of our team. Lastly, I want to let each of my teammates know that I love them and am excited to see the future growth of Liberty Football. With that being said I am announcing that I have entered the transfer portal. Once again thank you Flames for all the memories!”

Thank you Flames Nation!🤠 pic.twitter.com/RlLRsCR76C