There Is No Place Like Home For Marcus Lewis

Defensive Back Marcus Lewis, who transferred home to Maryland after beginning his career at Florida State, had quite the first game at Maryland Stadium.

In the second quarter of Maryland’s Red – White Spring Game, Lewis broke on a pass by Tyler DeSue, and took it to the house.

When asked about the score Lewis said “It felt good to get into the endzone. It was just instinct. I just broke on the ball and saw it.”

Lewis was not the only one to see the play, as he had a number of family and friends in the crowd to support him. “It’s always nice getting a pick six, but especially because this is my first time playing at home in a long time. My family and friends were here so it was was good to get one under my belt.”

The District Heights, MD native and Gonzaga College High School alumnus transferred home after injuries came into play while he was at Florida State. During his Sophomore season in Tallahassee, Lewis appeared in eight games, with five starts, as a versatile defensive back who could play cornerback and nickleback.

He spent last fall in College Park studying behind JC Jackson, who helped recruit him to Maryland. “Just being able to be under his wing this past fall was good for me. He taught me a lot from what I need to expect this year in the Big Ten. I appreciate him being here and that’s one of my good friends.”

The bond between both players dates back to 2015 when the pair were committed to Florida State and were recruited by none other than Maryland Head Coach DJ Durkin. Just before National Signing Day, Lewis flipped his commitment from Florida to Florida State.

Being a Seminole helped Lewis develop a powerful work ethic that he has carried on to College Park. “The guys that I’d go against were coming to play everyday because anybody could take your spot.” Lewis continued on by adding; “always playing with a chip on my shoulder is probably the biggest thing I took from playing at Florida State.”

His Spring game interception was his first interception since 2016, when he intercepted Chad Kelly of Ole Miss and sparked a 22-point Florida State comeback.

Being home and making those plays gives Lewis a different feeling though. “My mom couldn’t come to a lot of my games when I was down [at Florida State], so she would just watch them on TV. It felt good to be out in front of my family and friends, and to make a good play.”

Maryland fans will be hoping that Lewis can continue making explosive plays like that this fall. He joins a talented defensive back group labeled “The Jungle” that hopes to turn Maryland’s Big Ten fortunes in 2018.