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University of Minnesota Athletics
Future Gopher Q&A: Kerry Lewis
3/2/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
In the weeks leading up to spring football practice, GopherSports.com will be bringing you interviews with future Gophers who signed letters of intent earlier this year. Next up is Kerry Lewis, a defensive back from Lancaster High School in the Dallas, Texas area. GopherSports.com caught up to Lewis on the phone last last week. The following is a transcript of that interview:
GopherSports.com: Now that signing day is over and you’ve had some time to reflect, has it all sunk in that you’re officially a Golden Gopher?
Kerry Lewis: It is starting to sink in. It is especially starting to sink in because graduation is coming up.
GopherSports.com: Talk about the recruiting process and what made you decide to come to Minnesota?
Kerry Lewis: I like the Minnesota culture. As for the recruiting process, they recruited me really hard. When I came up to visit, I really liked the family atmosphere and I knew that it was where I wanted to be.
GopherSports.com: We hear you want to major in aerospace engineering. Where did that interest come from?
Kerry Lewis: In school, I have excelled in math and science. Last year, I took an astronomy class and I thought I wanted to do research on that topic. One of my teachers talked to me about aerospace engineering and thought it would be a good major for me because he knew I was good in math. I am going to take his advice and go ahead with my major.
GopherSports.com: How would you describe yourself off the field?
Kerry Lewis: I like to talk a lot. I am very much a people person. I like to make people laugh, especially me. After school, I really don’t do that much but work out everyday. On weekends, we go to the mall, movies and bowling sometimes.
GopherSports.com: What is your best attribute on the field?
Kerry Lewis: I am very smart and I recognize things quickly. I can read the quarterback and read the receiver’s route. So, I’d have to say I think I’m a smart player.
GopherSports.com: Is there anyone you look up to or pattern your game after?
Kerry Lewis: Troy Polamalu and Bob Sanders. I have always liked Bob Sanders, because he is more of a smaller safety. I always knew that I would be pretty short and I enjoy playing safety, so I have always liked him.
GopherSports.com: What are your thoughts on TCF Bank Stadium?
Kerry Lewis: It is going to be an honor to be part of the first class to play in the new stadium. When I came for my visit, we took a tour and it looks like it is going to be very nice. I am excited to play in it.
GopherSports.com: Any thoughts about being part of the first class to play your entire Minnesota career at the new stadium?
Kerry Lewis: It is a good thing that we have a chance to play in the new stadium. But it is honestly not high on my list. As long as I get to play football, I don’t even care if it is in the backyard. I am glad that we will have a nice stadium for the fans but it is not that important to me.
GopherSports.com: What are your goals for your first season with the Gophers?
Kerry Lewis: My goals are to come in and learn the system, improve my footwork, earn playing time and to just start making hits.
GopherSports.com: What are your long-term goals for your college career?
Kerry Lewis: Eventually, I want to win a Big Ten Championship.
GopherSports.com: What are you most looking forward to about getting to Minnesota this summer?
Kerry Lewis: I am looking forward to coming in, learning the system, and getting stronger in the weight room.
GopherSports.com: What have you been up to since Signing Day?
Kerry Lewis: Weights, weights, weights. I am just trying to get stronger. I have also worked on my speed and agility. I usually try to run a couple of miles.
GopherSports.com: If you weren’t playing college football, what other sport would you like to play and why?
Kerry Lewis: I would like to run track or play baseball. When I was younger, track used to be one of my favorite sports until I had an injury and had to stop.
GopherSports.com: What music are you listening to most right now?
Kerry Lewis: Hip-hop and rap. I like the the GS Boys because they are from my hometown.
GopherSports.com: Seen a good movie lately?
Kerry Lewis: I recently saw the Tyler Perry movie, “Madea Goes to Jail” which was a funny movie.
GopherSports.com: Favorite type of food?
Kerry Lewis: I like steak.
GopherSports.com: If you had to choose your favorite meal, what would it be?
Kerry Lewis: Chicken fried steak in gravy, greens, mashed potatoes and some corn on the cob.
GopherSports.com: What’s one of your favorite TV shows?
Kerry Lewis: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
GopherSports.com: Do you have any hidden talents that you’ll be bringing with you to Minnesota?
Kerry Lewis: I really don’t have any hidden talents. But like I said, I like to entertain people.
GopherSports.com: Is there anything you’d like to say to Gopher fans who will be reading this?
Kerry Lewis: Get ready for an exciting next four years. I hope to be making plays out on the field very soon.
-UM-
