This weeks' Friday pick at No. 29 in the Top 50 Greatest Football Players in Alcorn history is defensive back
Garry Lewis. A native of New Orleans, La., Lewis played for the Braves from 1986 to 1989. A member of "DBU" and noted for his ability to cover wide receivers like chocolate on a hershey, Lewis was one of the best defensive back to ever play on the "Reservation."
He saw action for the first time in 1987 and recorded 25 tackles and eight pass deflections.
In 1988, NFL scouts began to show interest in Lewis after an outstanding junior season and he was rated as one of the best defensive backs in the country. He posted 27 tackles and 10 pass deflections. He led the Braves with five interceptions and was named to the 1988 All-SWAC 2nd Team Defense. The Braves defense finished No. 1 in the country that season
Going into his senior season, Lewis was rated as the No. 1 defensive back in NCAA Division I-AA. It was stated by several reporters and former coaches that none of the quarterbacks in the SWAC throwed his way because he locked down one side of the field. He recorded two career-highs, posting 35 tackles and 17 pass deflections in nine of the Braves ten games. He also intercepted four passes. He earned 1st Team All-SWAC Defensive honors and Associated Press 2nd Team All-American honors.
Lewis was a projected 1st round pick the 1990 NFL draft but due to an injury he was selected in the 7th round. He was named to the 1990 NFL All-Rookie Team his first season.
"29 DAYS LEFT UNTIL KICKOFF!"
