The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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Lewis won't advance to the top spot on the career list this year, barring something extraordinary down the stretch. But if he returns to Michigan in 2016, like he stated he will, he could wind up atop that group of elite pass defenders. The junior cornerback often deflects the credit, like he does an opponents' pass. He insists Michigan's men up front are making it much easier on those in the back end to get the job done. "They are so excellent," Lewis said of Michigan's defensive linemen. "They give us everything we need as defensive backs, just rushing the quarterback and making sure those throws are off or quick. Throwing that timing off gives us that extra push. "They're the rocks. They're the pivotal point in our defense. They make it all hap- pen." Lewis has made it happen as well, right along with the toughest pass defenders to pull on a Michigan uniform. Secondary coach Mike Zordich insists that of all the Wolverines' defensive backs this year, Lewis possesses the best eye control. "All we talk about is our eyes, hands and feet, especially at that position, and hav- ing disciplined eyes on your man all the time," Zordich said. Lewis' mastery of the eyes has helped the Wolverines set their sights even higher. — John Borton so I bring a little something," he said. "They're not really expecting it to come from me. Once they see it, it reignites the defense. "Tuesday is the start of the work week. We start working, and we've got full pads on. That's when we re- ally get down and grind." While he's grinding, others are minding. Redshirt freshman safety Jabrill Peppers has garnered his share of the spotlight for his all-around ef- forts with the Wolverines this season. When it comes to playing defense, he admitted looking to Lewis for both inspiration and operational savvy. "It's just his technique," Peppers said. "I like to watch a lot of the older guys, guys who are true to their posi- tion, meaning they played that posi- tion in high school and were coached up at that position, and coached up here. He's gotten a lot of great feed- back. "I take things from him that he doesn't even know. I try to just take a little bit of everything and try differ- ent techniques. We have a lot of guys with different body builds and differ- ent kinds of athleticism. I just try to incorporate everything, to see what's the most comfortable and most ef- fective." Peppers needs no instruction in terms of vocal leadership. He's defi- nitely witnessed Lewis grow in that area, just over the course of his two seasons in Ann Arbor. "Jordan has always been a leader," Peppers said. "At times, he is quiet. I will say, to his credit, he's coming out of his shell and being more vocal, absolutely." "There were times in that Min- nesota game when he's bringing us