082110 RON CHERUBINI ::: One-on-One Interview with Lance Lewis [fb]

One-on-One with the Pirates
Sunday, August 21, 2010

By Ron Cherubini

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Q&A with Lance Lewis

When Lance Lewis came to East Carolina as a junior college transfer in 2010, he announced his arrival in record-setting fashion. He proved to be a playmaker, piling up a school single-season record 14 touchdown receptions en route to eclipsing 1,000 yards receiving. Remarkably, he was able to accomplish what he did as the No. 2 option behind All-Conference USA star and current Dallas Cowboys receiver Dwayne Harris.

Now, as the 2011 opener approaches, Lewis is fully aware he will be a known quantity to his opponents and will draw the top coverage every opponent has to offer. But, undaunted, Lewis knows what he is capable of doing and is excited to get the offense cranked up and set up camp in the Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium end zone all over again.

Lance was kind enough to sit down for a chat with Bonesville to share his insights on the upcoming season.

Q: You were pretty confident when you arrived a year ago that you would have an impact on the offense and you did to the tune of a 1,000-yard, 14-TD season. What is your confidence level going into to 2011?

A: Right now, more confident than I was last season. We have Coach (Jeff) Connors here working with us to make us tougher mentally and physical, too, and he (is) getting all of our levels up which encourages me even more for this season. Last year, we would start to fall off, but we are conditioning so much now that we will be ready to pick it up throughout the game. I feel really good going into this season.

Q: With Dwayne Harris now in the NFL, you will be a marked man. Are you ready for that challenge?

A: Yes sir, I am ready for the challenge (of being the No. 1 guy). You know, last year, Dwayne was a big part of our offense, but we have players who are stepping in who can replace – you can’t replace Dwayne in terms of everything he brings in one player – but we have some good receivers stepping in that can do the things we need them to do (in Dwayne’s absence) and make the offense go. As for me, I don’t really think about who is covering me. I do the things I am supposed to do and expect to make plays.

Q: Share your thoughts on having set a new, single-season, TD receptions record at ECU?

A: I had a lot of TD receptions, but I feel like I should have one every game. Right now, I am thinking about this season and this offense and winning games. I don’t really think about (the record) but it will (be) great later (down the road to reflect on).

Q: What areas of your game did you focus on in spring and what do you need to do better in 2011?

A: Running routes. I need to run better routes and that is what I have been working on (during the summer). Also, my dedication on and off the field. Taking the time to work with my teammates (outside of practice) because we all need to know what everyone is doing on every play. The QB, the linemen, the receivers, we are all dedicated to improving this offense.

A: Dominique Davis. You know, he came in the same time I came in and he just took over the offense. He is a vocal leader and everybody respects him… I respect him… He wants to win. When he steps into the room, people respect him and what he has to say. He is our leader and he has earned that respect.

Q: What player on our defense do you think would give you the hardest time in coverage and why?

A: No. 38. When you play against Emanuel (Davis), you have to work because he can do it all. He can play you on the jam and he can play off of you and he can run with you. He anticipates everything you do. I just really respect him and how he plays that position. Definitely glad I don’t have to face him.

Q: Drop a name or two of a young receiver who will make a name for himself in 2011?

A: Justin Hardy, Danny Webster, and Reese Wiggins… those guys are out here working hard. Justin Hardy never takes plays off… he goes hard in practice and he is getting reps… which is the only thing he needs (to break out this season). Webster… he’s good and he’s just a freshman. All our young receivers are working hard and will be good.

Q: Do you think about your NFL prospects and how do you factor those end of year goals into how you prepare and think about the 2011 season?

A: As of right now, it isn’t something I am focused on… it’s in the future. Right now I am focused on trying to have the type of season I can have here. We are focused on right here and right now and this week. Then it will be first opponent. I’m not looking at the future right now at all.