Ni’kel Lewis Ends Historic Career With Arkansas’ First 50-Touchdown Season

Hamburg running back Ni’kel Lewis just closed the book on one of the greatest careers Arkansas high school football has ever seen. The Lions senior finished his final season with 53 rushing touchdowns, becoming the first player in state history to ever reach the 50 mark in a single year. No one else has come close. Lewis didn’t just break the record. He blew it apart.

He locked in his college future before the season even started, committing to Austin Peay University on July 12. The Governors are getting a player who dominated Arkansas defenses at a level never seen before.

His 53 touchdowns sit far above some of the most decorated backs in state history. Jason Sullivan of Carlisle put up 45 in 2022. Dennis Gaines of East Poinsett County finished with 44 that same year. Alton Cressell of Ashdown posted 42 in 2005. Nashville’s Darius Hopkins reached 41 in 2016. Deon Simmons of Maumelle totaled 40 in 2017, and Connor Baker of Pocahontas matched that in 2021. Craig Jackson of Carlisle recorded 39 in 1995, and Carlos Burton of Glen Rose did the same in 2013. Eight more players are tied at 38.

Lewis separated himself from all of them. Defenses geared up to stop him every Friday night, and he still ran through everyone in his path. His senior season turned into a highlight reel of big plays, broken tackles, and unstoppable scoring drives.

With his high school career officially complete and his name cemented at the top of the record book, Ni’kel Lewis leaves Hamburg as the most prolific single season touchdown scorer Arkansas has ever seen. Austin Peay is getting a problem for every defense they’ll face.