Travis Lewis Is Returning For A Senior Season!
by ccmachine on Jan 5, 2011 2:19 PM CST
in Oklahoma Sooners Football
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Don't take my word for it. Take his!
This puts Oklahoma with a starting linebacking corps of Lewis on the weak side, Austin Box in the middle and Ronnell Lewis on the strong side. Travis and Austin Box will be seniors and Ronnell Lewis will be a junior which gives Brent Venables a group of upperclassmen at linebacker.
It also makes one less hole to fill on the defense that is losing seniors defensive end Jeremy Beal, strong safety Jonathan Nelson and free safety Quinton Carter. Eight returning starters on defense isn't too shabby!
UPDATE: It's official, per OU. See official statement after the jump.
Oklahoma junior linebacker Travis Lewis announced today that he will return for his senior season of college eligibility.
The San Antonio, Texas native has the ultimate college football accomplishment as his goal.
"I'm coming back to win a national championship, point blank" said Lewis. "Anything else would be a disappointment. That is the main goal. This is a program built on a tradition of championships and I intend on being here for another one."He also said cited his appreciation of OU as a factor.
"I woke up this morning and realized I had made my decision that I was coming back. I don't want to give up being a Sooner yet. I'm having too much fun as one and this is an amazing place to be."
Lewis has been Oklahoma's leading tackler in each of his first three seasons with the Sooners. No player has ever led the program in tackles in four straight seasons.
He has accumulated 362 career tackles, the ninth-best total in school history. In 2010, he became the first OU player since Rocky Calmus to crack the OU top 10 list in that category.
With eight career interceptions, Lewis is tied with Sam Allen (1951-52) for the most by a Sooner linebacker.
"I compliment Travis not only on being a great player, but on making a good decision for his future," said OU Head Coach Bob Stoops. "He is giving himself the chance to improve his status and opportunity with another year of college ball. He'll work hard physically and he'll have another year of playing experience. All of that will translate well to the NFL."
Stoops added that Lewis' return bolsters the 2011 team.
"Travis is a captain who has been a major spark and leader for us," he said. "Having him back can only improve our team and defense."
The Sooners are coming off a 12-2 season in which they won both the Big 12 Championship, their seventh, and the Fiesta Bowl.
Lewis was the leading tackler in that Fiesta Bowl win over Connecticut with 10 and he spearheaded the defense in the Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship with three takeaways in the form of two fumble recoveries and one interception.
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Can you click "love" b/c that's how I feel about this news!
"I don't like Texas. I don't like the city of Austin. And I don't like the color orange. It reminds me of puke." The Boz
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This is awesome news!
Our D is going to be loaded next year!
One minor point, my understanding was that The Hammer was now a full-time DE and would no longer play the SLB spot. Personally, I think T.Jefferson moves to the safety spot with Javon Harris. Then assuming Jefferson can make the transition, I think they’d move somebody like Ibioyle to that SLB spot.
Honestly, as good a news as this is it makes things pretty complicated for Venables next year. Assuming health with Box, where does Tom Wort play? Can they keep Corey Nelson on the bench for another year? Daniel Franklin is a kid who will have been in the system for three plus years. Aaron Franklin is a kid the coaches have praised as a true freshman.
Obviously it’s a good problem to have, but I’m just saying that’s a lot of talent for just three (and really two w/ our system) spots.
"I don't like Texas. I don't like the city of Austin. And I don't like the color orange. It reminds me of puke." The Boz
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well in the 50 defense
that’s pretty much the same thing isn’t it? (I could be wrong here)
Colorado Rockies correspondent at My Team Rivals (www.mtrmedia.com/rockies) and my own site Rockies Reporter (www.rockiesreporter.wordpress.com)
Great news!!! Think I will be making the short trip up for the Spring Game this year!
"I feel fortunate.... It's just great to get another championship." Bob Stoops
the 2011 sooners
are going to be deep in a lot of places, including CB and you could argue QB…
but the linebackers, running backs and receivers next year on this team… i mean, historic units.
say broyles comes back: broyles, stills, franks, powell, metoyer, mccay, mcclain and (i think) dejuan miller? will the ncaa force us to spot every team 14 points?
by evenyoudorn on Jan 5, 2011 2:55 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Don't discount that secondary
If Jefferson makes the transition from the nickel spot and both he and J.Harris play as well as I expect them to, then this could (potentially) be the best OU secondary ever under Stoops. A bold statement for any secondary that doesn’t include the names Strait or TRRW, but collectively they could be freaking outstanding. And that’s not even including Colvin who will be looking to build on a very impressive freshman season.
"I don't like Texas. I don't like the city of Austin. And I don't like the color orange. It reminds me of puke." The Boz
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
I hope Lewis joins in Stoops efforts of getting Broyles to return.
News Oklahoma – Stoops is advising Ryan Broyles to return for his senior season. His reasons: the uncertainty with the collective bargaining agreement, the fact WRs rarely get taken in the first round, and what OU could accomplish in 2011. Stoops hasn’t gotten back Broyles’ grade from the NFL Draft advisory committee, but a former member of that committee told me this week that Broyles would probably grade out as a "late second round pick." Stoops said Broyles has always done well academically, and is close to getting his degree. "It’s got to be his choice," Stoops said. "But he’ll be smart about it."
I think we can expect to hear RB's announcement that he's coming back as well in the next couple days
"I don't like Texas. I don't like the city of Austin. And I don't like the color orange. It reminds me of puke." The Boz
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
I suspect Broyles will be back
I think a big reason was his performance against Texas and more pro-style coverages (only 5 rec and 36 yards). Stoops said somewhere, I can’t recall where, that Broyles received “bracket coverage” from Texas and that was causing scouts to grade Broyles down into the second round.
Add in the uncertainty about the league’s CBA and I think that not just Broyles, but a lot of talented juniors will be back next season.
Finally, I think this team really does believe they can win a championship next year. I think that is a big reason for Travis Lewis coming back, because I think Lewis could have been a late first rounder, and contributed on a good NFL team.
"Coach Gundy, why was Oklahoma able to march right down the field against you?" --Erin Andrews
by dishingoutdimes on Jan 5, 2011 5:07 PM CST up reply actions
Avoiding injury like Bradford
"Coach Gundy, why was Oklahoma able to march right down the field against you?" --Erin Andrews
by dishingoutdimes on Jan 5, 2011 9:39 PM CST up reply actions
And hOw did that work for Bradford or Gresham??
by OU JJ on Jan 6, 2011 11:50 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Great news
The off season is barely underway and we get good news. I hope this is a trend.
With so much competition for playing time, I hope all the players get after it in conditioning.
as oudorn said above
As an OU fan just imagine the following:
B.Clay, R.Finch, J.Calhoun, J.Miller, B.Williams, T.Millard
R.Broyles, K.Stills, D.Miller, T.Franks, T.Metoyer, J.Powell, S.McClain, J.McCay
J.Hanna, T.Ratterree, A.Haywood, D.Tapko, M.Stevenson
And that’s just the offense. Sick. Just sick.
"I don't like Texas. I don't like the city of Austin. And I don't like the color orange. It reminds me of puke." The Boz
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
and, huge longshot--
but if colt lyerla somehow picks us over oregon, etc., it would be patently unfair.
i’d love for westerman to switch, or get this rasco guy… but lyerla just seems like a monster. have you seen his stats on scout?! it has to be a typo…
From multiple positions for Hillsboro (Ore.) in 2009, Lyerla had 39 total touchdowns, rushing for nearly 1,800 yards along with 900-plus yards receiving.
almost 3,000 yds and 39 TD. and he’s being recruited as an LB!
Dude is a beast, but you as you implied very unlikely he picks OU
Depending on how many spots up open with kids transferring, this class for OU could already be full. I really don’t think they currently have a spot up, the numbers just don’t work for it. Quite frankly I think both Lewis and Broyles coming back only makes it more difficult for them to fit all the kids from the 2011 class in. I know what would help, at least two of the kickers who are scholarship and have never seen the field aren’t on scholarship next year. Harsh, but as mentioned many times before there was/is/never will be any reason to have five kickers on scholarship. Ever!
"I don't like Texas. I don't like the city of Austin. And I don't like the color orange. It reminds me of puke." The Boz
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
what about oline
We’re losing Mensik, Lepak, Brandon and Jefferies. Who looks to be the starters for next year?
Honestly, I think we'll be as good or better next year
I’d say it’s:
J.Jones – Ikard/Good – Habern – Evans/Shead – Stephenson
with Jones and Stephenson being interchangeable at either LT or RT. Then you’ve got guys like Woods, D.Williams, Irwin, T.Thompson, and Aladenoye all as capable backups.
"I don't like Texas. I don't like the city of Austin. And I don't like the color orange. It reminds me of puke." The Boz
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
I'd highly doubt it. Farinok is a bit of a project and Dismuke won't be ready to come in and play guard at this level as a true frosh
"I don't like Texas. I don't like the city of Austin. And I don't like the color orange. It reminds me of puke." The Boz
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
farniok = bear
6’9" 330 or something? man, slap another 20-30 pounds on that bear, and he becomes some kind of… some kind of super-bear.
then if you teach that super-bear how to play offensive line with some level of competence…. well, then you have have something!
agreed. it's just going to come down to him working on his footwork and leverage. i think we all remember the issues Loadholt had at times. same deal with this kid being just as big (hard to imagine, what do they feed him up there in S.D.?!?)
"I don't like Texas. I don't like the city of Austin. And I don't like the color orange. It reminds me of puke." The Boz
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
I know right?!?! I was saying last night, I am down right giddy
at the prospect of New Orleans in January ….. sigh….. Boomer Sooner!!!!!
according to soonerfans
broyles is now coming back, too. it’s just two posters who each claim to have sources, so enormulous grains of salt… but looking good… let’s hope they’re right.
The only bad thing about the blogosphere
As evidenced by the joke article released by Recruitocosm a few days ago, is that anyone can claim they have a few sources and publish information on a hunch. Then claim its journalism. That’s one thing I love about this site: they don’t post something unless they know its true, and if it is purely speculative material, they make no claims otherwise.
by soonergal5 on Jan 5, 2011 6:32 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Dean the Dream said RB is returning on the News 9 sports tonight
and also said RB would announce it in the next couple of days. Coming back because of the 2nd round projection.
by It'sTheVoice on Jan 5, 2011 11:36 PM CST up reply actions
Our depth is looking as good as the early 2000's now.
Looks like Texass found a D-coordinator in Manny Diaz from Miss. St.
"I feel fortunate.... It's just great to get another championship." Bob Stoops
yawn
"I don't like Texas. I don't like the city of Austin. And I don't like the color orange. It reminds me of puke." The Boz
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
OT
but there was no thread or anything: did anyone see danzel williams get into the UA game? I saw a lot of phillips, brandon williams and thompson (all looked really good, though thompson threw a red zone pick). hughes was in there a bunch with phillips, but never really made a play.
at the end, the camera caught williams on the sideline all suited up (no helmet), so i don’t think he was hurt or anything. any ideas?
phillips looked maybe best of them all— he’s just enormous. wrought havoc on the backfield early in the game. williams never really broke one, but he looks great running with the ball, and showed off great hands catching the ball out of the backfield. thompson is essentially pat white.
Interesting
That we’ve been recruiting the dual-threat guy when in the past we’ve always gone after the pocket-passer. Change of offensive philosophy on the cusp?
I was pondering that, too
That could make an interesting addition, a Wild Pony look with the diamond formation. Thompson surrounded with Finch, Williams and Clay…hmmm.
Clearly a very talented player, but needs a lot of development to be a consistent passer.
With Blake Bell
He actually has really good pocket passing mechanics, it’s just an added bonus that he is incredibly mobile for his size. Judging from what I saw in the UA game last night, Kendal is a dual threat that would much rather throw than run. In fact, he looked like just plain did not want to take off with he football at all.
by KratosWasASooner on Jan 6, 2011 1:21 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I think you're right
KT will run when he needs to, and will do it well, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he avoided doing it in that game in order to feature his passing ability. He was looking pretty good up until that INT in the end zone. It certainly will be interesting to see how things eventually play out between him, Bell, and Allen
"I don't like Texas. I don't like the city of Austin. And I don't like the color orange. It reminds me of puke." The Boz
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
while i agree he looked very good
he got away with just one pick by the mercy of the red team defense. no knock whatsoever on his upside— he just needs to have arms bigger than mine by the time he sees owen field, and be a little less trigger-happy. granted, he’s a child and josh will set him right.
ps, they did make a heupel comparison during the game, if you didn’t catch it.
I think he did get in
But when you’re playing CB and your name doesn’t get called, most of the time that’s a good thing.
"I don't like Texas. I don't like the city of Austin. And I don't like the color orange. It reminds me of puke." The Boz
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
Has anyone heard anything on Barry Sanders boy I heard Alabama is recruiting him pretty hard
by oiltrsh on Jan 5, 2011 10:57 PM CST via mobile reply actions
They are recruiting him
But he still has a couple of years of high school.
Found this report from last night.
don't get your hopes up on that one
"I don't like Texas. I don't like the city of Austin. And I don't like the color orange. It reminds me of puke." The Boz
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
A Funny Aside
A blog buddy of mine is a Miss State alumn and fan. I sent him a link from the Upchuck Orange Report about Manny Diaz leaving the Dogs to be the DC for the whorns. I warned him, DO NOT READ THE COMMENTS!
He did so anyway.
He wrote me back saying that there used to be a lumber mill near his home, and when the wind was just right wrong the smell permeated everything in the house. He said the comments there caused him to remember that smell.
LOL!
I heard Metoyer
Pulled a hamstring and didn’t practice for the Army All-American game yesterday. Anyone know how he’s doing? How serious that might be?
by soonergal5 on Jan 6, 2011 11:15 AM CST via mobile reply actions
He was limited in practices
But I think that was more of a precautionary measure. I’d stll expect him to play in the game though. Man, I wish he was enrolling early with the other three but then that’s just me being greedy!
"I don't like Texas. I don't like the city of Austin. And I don't like the color orange. It reminds me of puke." The Boz
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
don't forger about Dejuan Miller
Was really coming on before his injury and I’d expect him to want to have a big senior season in 2011.
"I don't like Texas. I don't like the city of Austin. And I don't like the color orange. It reminds me of puke." The Boz
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
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