Grambling State wide receiver Mario Lewis had one of the best statistical seasons in SWAC history in 2011. The senior pass catcher grabbed 51 balls for 1,129 yards (94.1 per game) and scored 18 touchdowns to help the Tigers win the league championship.
Lewis, who hopes to be taken in the 2012 NFL Draft, recently appeared on From the Press Box to Press Row radio show to talk about everything from trying out for the football team, to being just a few hours away from signing a professional contract.
On being a walk-on:
“I appreciate getting the opportunity at the end of the day to showcase my talent,” Lewis said. “When I walked on nobody knew how good I would be. I played football when I smaller, and when I played on the Grambling intramural football team I was (encouraged) to tryout.”
On molding himself with the help of Doug Williams into an NFL prospect:
“It is a very humbling experience,” he said. “It took a lot of work for (Williams) to help me on and off the field. ”
On the draft process:
“I am very nervous, anxious,” said Lewis. “It makes you think about how your life will change. It is hard not to think about it. I want it to be over right now.”
On potentially being selected during the NFL Draft:
“It is something I’ve dreamed about. To hear my name called would be awesome,” Lewis said. Even if my name doesn’t get called, I will take it and use that as motivation to strive to work harder and get better from there. Once I get in a (training) camp, I want to be their (competition’s) worst nightmare.”
