In this era of whining Prima Donnas and grand standing athletes who think the world owes them something, Dion Lewis, is like a breath of fresh air. This young man has his feet planted firmly on the ground. Lewis decision to attend Pitt was based as much on Pitt’s academic standards as it was on their football program. According to Dion, “Pitt is a great academic school. It’s not one of those colleges where you can play football and get away with not going to class and not doing what you’re supposed to be doing,” says Lewis, who would like to become an NFL commentator when his football career is over. “Sports have played a big part in my life, but football isn’t forever, and there are a lot of different things that I can do with a communication degree. That was important to me in making my decision on which school to attend.”

He wants to do well academically because he understands that there is more to life than football.  In the evenings he attends tutoring sessions and if he does not have a night class on that evening, he will return to his dorm room and study alone for a few hours, then will get up the next morning and do it all over again. Lewis sees the tough schedule as part of being a student. His studies and football are priorities – and in that order.

Yes, in this day and age, when some football players attend college and never learn to read or write or speak a coherent sentence, this young man is a breath of fresh air. I am sure Dion’s maturity, work ethic and focus are a direct result of his parents “old fashion values”.  His father, Leroy, is a construction worker and his Mother, Linda, is a social worker. Dion was one of four children. He says “Both of his parents were strong disciplinarians who wanted all of their children to be driven and self-disciplined”. It looks like Dion is going to make his parents proud.

Oh, yeah did I mention that he plays football…and he does it quite well. In his freshman year he rushed for 1,799 yards and 17 touchdowns. This young man is a special player. Don’t be surprised if he ends up winning a Heisman Trophy and/or leading Pitt to a Big East Championship. I will be a Pitt fan this year because the air will be fresh and clear.

Tags: academic, College Football, NCAA Football, Pitt, Pittsburgh

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