The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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never been one of the more vocal Michigan players, preferring to let his actions do that talking. But sideline observers spotted Lewis at the heart of some fiery and inspirational urgings when the game hung in the balance at Minnesota. He stood out in asserting his will and imploring teammates to raise their game for a successful finish. His work in that area begins long before game day, as well. He's ear- marked Tuesdays as a day of the week to come out spitting fire in practices. That's when the real work of win- ning begins, he insisted. "Tuesdays, guys need extra energy, Lewis Attains Exclusive Company Via Breakups Jourdan Lewis has probably never heard of singer Neil Sedaka, but he'd likely prove him wrong anyway. The junior cornerback clearly demonstrates he doesn't agree that "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do." In fact, Lewis has done it better than any Wolverine in history, for a single season. His two pass breakups against Rutgers gave him 19 for the year, rep- resenting a new Michigan record. He added another breakup in the win over Indiana to reach 20 for the season, tying him for first nationally in that category. The pair of pass knockdowns in the victory over Rutgers moved Lewis past the 18 recorded by former Wolverines Leon Hall (2006) and Marlin Jackson (2002). "It feels good, being named with some of those legends," Lewis acknowl- edged. "It's a good feeling. We've got to build on that." Here's a look at the top 10 seasons for pass breakups by a Michigan performer: MOST PASS BREAKUPS IN A SEASON Rank Player Number Year 1. Jourdan Lewis 20 2015 2. Marlin Jackson 18 2002 2. Leon Hall 18 2006 4. Charles Woodson 15 1996 5. Marion Body 14 1982 5. Alfie Burch 14 1993 5. Todd Howard 14 1999 10. Todd Howard 13 2000 10. Todd Howard 13 2001 10. Jamar Adams 13 2007 Of course, the big season Lewis is enjoying thwarting potential pass recep- tions also shows up in the career stats. He had recorded 30 career pass break- ups going into the Penn State game, tying him for fourth with Charles Woodson on Michigan's all-time list.