Lewis earns spot as new leader

In 2003, Southern University quarterback Quincy Richard dominated the Southwestern Athletic Conference offensively, setting records and leading the Jaguars to another Bayou Classic win and conference title.
Last season, quarterback Thomas Ricks practically did the same, leading the conference with his air attack.
Can a red shirt sophomore do the same?
J.C. Lewis, the Jags’ starting quarterback, is not new to Southern’s offensive system or playing strategy.
But after watching two seniors burn the league with their passing attacks, the mechanical engineering major from Walnut Creek, Calif. said he still had something to offer.
“I hope to bring responsibility to the team,” Lewis said. “I’ve been very responsible since the beginning and I always do what I’m told.
“I go to the weight room and work out. I study and watch plays on video. I prepare to work hard and lead this team to victory.”
The 5-foot-10 lefthander came to Southern in the summer of 2003 and redshirted as a freshman. During his career at Las Lomas High School, he threw for 7,372 yards and 57 touchdowns.
After seeing action in 2004, he finished the season completing 13 of 21 passes for 57 yards and 1 touchdown.
Despite Southern’s 31-28 loss to Mississippi Valley State Saturday (and the Jags’ first week of play), Lewis’ 312 passing yards, along with the 24 passes of 39 attempts completed against the Delta Devils, has him standing atop the SWAC with the best passing average.
“Lewis is an individual that didn’t have the opportunity to play a great deal of time last year but when he played in the game he was real effective,” said Jaguars head coach Pete Richardson. “I think when you look at us offensively, or when you look at J. C. Lewis, (he is) an individual that’s astute as far as understanding the game.”
After watching his predecessors from the sidelines for two years, Lewis said he is ready to take advantage of his opportunity and now is his time to shine.
But will he be ready next week against an up-and-coming Prairie View squad that is second in the conference in total defense?
“I believe this is my time to step it up as both a leader and player. We have put a lot of preparation and time into the team, so we are ready to go out there and play some football.”