sway1331
07-13-2006, 04:22 AM
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Former USC wide receiver Whitney Lewis is expected to enroll at Division I-AA Northern Iowa and play for the Panthers this season.
UNI spokesman Colin McDonough said Wednesday that Lewis has been working out in Cedar Falls and will be eligible to play immediately. Lewis has two years of eligibility remaining.
Lewis was one of the top players in Southern California's 2003 recruiting class, which included Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, Tennessee Titans second-round pick LenDale White and current star receiver Steve Smith. Many recruiting publications had Lewis rated higher than Bush coming out of high school, but things never worked out for him at USC.
Lewis was shifted between receiver, tailback and fullback as a true freshman in 2003 and gained 38 total yards. He was redshirted in 2004 after being ruled academically ineligible.
The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Lewis was moved back to receiver as a sophomore last season but didn't catch a pass in nine games.
Lewis played at St. Bonaventure High in Ventura, Calif., and was the state's "Mr. Football" in 2002. He caught 65 passes for 1,235 yards, rushed for 1,059 yards and scored 42 touchdowns as a senior.
Because Lewis hasn't officially enrolled in classes, Northern Iowa coach Mark Farley declined comment.
UNI spokesman Colin McDonough said Wednesday that Lewis has been working out in Cedar Falls and will be eligible to play immediately. Lewis has two years of eligibility remaining.
Lewis was one of the top players in Southern California's 2003 recruiting class, which included Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, Tennessee Titans second-round pick LenDale White and current star receiver Steve Smith. Many recruiting publications had Lewis rated higher than Bush coming out of high school, but things never worked out for him at USC.
Lewis was shifted between receiver, tailback and fullback as a true freshman in 2003 and gained 38 total yards. He was redshirted in 2004 after being ruled academically ineligible.
The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Lewis was moved back to receiver as a sophomore last season but didn't catch a pass in nine games.
Lewis played at St. Bonaventure High in Ventura, Calif., and was the state's "Mr. Football" in 2002. He caught 65 passes for 1,235 yards, rushed for 1,059 yards and scored 42 touchdowns as a senior.
Because Lewis hasn't officially enrolled in classes, Northern Iowa coach Mark Farley declined comment.