SB Nation - Travis Lewis

PHOTO: Travis Lewis' Oklahoma Land Sharks Haircut

Jason Kirk — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 13:34:23 -0000

The Oklahoma Sooners defense has nicknamed itself "the Sharks" this year despite playing in the most landlocked place on earth (I did not look that up before just going ahead and writing it). Haircut of the weekend on this young man right here:

PHOTO: Oklahoma Retains The Golden Hat

Jason Kirk — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 20:50:46 -0000

It's a rare rivalry trophy that actually has any utility. Travis Lewis puts the Golden Hat to work:

2012 NFL Mock Draft: An Early Look At The Detroit Lions' Pick For Next Year

Sean Yuille — Sun, 01 May 2011 12:00:58 -0000

SB Nation has already released a 2012 NFL mock draft. Yes, it's probably way, way too early to start looking ahead to next year's draft when this year's just finished, but it's all in good fun.

The first thing worth noting about SB Nation's 2012 mock is that the Detroit Lions aren't set to pick until the 16th overall selection. That indicates more progress with their record is expected during the 2011 season.

The other thing worth noting about this mock is that the Lions are predicted to pick Oklahoma linebacker Travis Lewis. The explanation is that following a few strong drafts, the Lions' list of needs is shrinking. Adding a linebacker like Lewis would help them turn a potential need into a strength going forward, which is essentially what they've done with the defensive tackle position in the first round the last two years.

SB Nation has full coverage of the 2011 NFL Draft (we're not completely moving on to 2012 just yet) at its NFL Draft hub and NFL Draft blog, Mocking The Draft. For more on the Detroit Lions, make sure to check out Pride Of Detroit and SB Nation Detroit's NFL Draft StoryStream.

Michigan State LB Greg Jones Named Butkus Award Semifinalist

Ian Casselberry — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 18:54:57 -0000

Michigan State linebacker Greg Jones was announced as a semifinalist for the Butkus Award on Friday. The honor goes to the nation's top linebacker.

Jones is a repeat semifinalist, along with Travis Lewis of Oklahoma and Von Miller of Texas A&M. He is the only Big Ten player to be named to the list of 15 semifinalists.

The senior linebacker leads the Spartans in tackles (60), forced fumbles (3) and quarterback hurries (3) this season. He is also second on the team in tackles for loss, with five (for 15 yards), and his three interceptions are tied for third.

From MSU linebackers coach Mike Tressel:

"Greg has always been a great tackler, but this season, he's really become a factor in creating turnovers. Heading into his senior year, he really wanted to focus on taking advantage of those opportunities to make interceptions and force fumbles."

If Jones wins the Butkus Award, he will become the ninth linebacker in Big Ten history to earn the honor. He'll also be the second Michigan State player to win the award, joining Percy Snow, who won in 1989.

Finalists will be announced on November 23, with the winner to be notified by December 8.