Travis Lewis Will Return to OU for Senior Season

Lewis cited his love of Oklahoma and desire for a national championship as his reasons for staying.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:08 pm

By: News On 6

Travis Lewis Will Return to OU for Senior Season

Originally Published: Jan 5, 2011 2:25 PM CDT

Corey DeMoss
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

NORMAN, Oklahoma – Oklahoma linebacker Travis Lewis officially announced Wednesday that he will return to the Sooners for his senior season next year.

Lewis and the Sooners won the Fiesta Bowl over Connecticut on New Year’s Day, ending a streak of five consecutive losses in BCS bowl games. OU is considered a strong contender for next year’s BCS National Championship, which is the main reason Lewis wants to stay.

“I’m coming back to win a national championship, point blank,” Lewis said. “Anything else would be a disappointment. That is the main goal. This is a program built on a tradition of championships and I intend on being here for another one.”

Lewis added that he loves the school and football program at Oklahoma and does not want to end his college experience yet.

“I woke up this morning and realized I had made my decision that I was coming back,” he said. “I don’t want to give up being a Sooner yet. I’m having too much fun as one and this is an amazing place to be.”

Lewis has started since his freshman year and has led the team in tackles in all three of his seasons with the Sooners. If he repeats the feat in 2011, he will become the first player in OU history to lead the team in tackles four consecutive years.

“Travis is a captain who has been a major spark and leader for us,” head coach Bob Stoops said. “Having him back can only improve our team and defense.”

Stoops stressed that he thinks Lewis is making the right decision and that it is not yet time for him to leave for the NFL.

“I compliment Travis not only on being a great player, but on making a good decision for his future,” Stoops said. “He is giving himself the chance to improve his status and opportunity with another year of college ball. He’ll work hard physically and he’ll have another year of playing experience. All of that will translate well to the NFL.”