Drc: Mean Green Land Another Receiver

[NT80]

Football: Mean Green land another receiver

Martinson's decommitment allows Lewis to join Dodge's first recruits

10:04 PM CST on Sunday, February 4, 2007

By Brett Vito / Staff Writer

A change of heart by another player in North Texas recruiting class gave B.J. Lewis the opportunity he had been hoping for last week.

The wide receiver/defensive back from Waco Robinson was being recruited by North Texas and Rice, along with Division II schools Tarleton State and West Texas A&M, but had not received a scholarship offer.

That changed when Jason Martinson of Birdville backed out of his commitment to UNT to accept a scholarship offer from Texas State, which wanted him to play both football and baseball. UNT quickly offered its open scholarship to Lewis (6-1, 185).

Lewis was a Class 3A all-state selection at defensive back but was recruited by UNT as a wide receiver.

Oral commitments are non-binding. The first day recruits can sign national letters of intent is Wednesday.

“North Texas contacted me later on,” Lewis said. “They offered me on Thursday after another receiver [Martinson] decommitted. The coaches at North Texas talked to my coaches and told them what the situation was.”

The Waco Tribune-Herald rates Lewis No. 21 on its list of the top 25 recruits in Central Texas. He might also be one of the most versatile.

Lewis was an All-District 17-3A selection as a defensive back, wide receiver and return specialist.

Lewis is looking forward to focusing his attention on developing as a wide receiver at UNT, but said he is willing to play defensive back if that is where he could contribute. UNT has seven wide receivers in its recruiting class and is also loaded with young defensive backs.

All four cornerbacks on UNT’s depth chart last season were either freshmen or sophomores.

“I can’t wait to get down there and play in coach Dodge’s offense, especially with the coaching staff they have now.” Lewis said.

While Lewis is expected to play wide receiver at UNT, he made his mark in high school as a defensive back. As a senior, Lewis intercepted six passes and recorded 72 tackles.

That performance landed Lewis a scholarship at UNT, which made him wait a while for an offer after he made his official visit to Denton.

“I liked the way North Texas seemed like a family with its players and coaches,” Lewis said. “I liked how I would fit with the team.”

Lewis is the 18th high school recruit and 21st player overall to join UNT’s recruiting class heading into national signing day.