WHEN IT COMES TO FOOTBALL AT BRYAN ISD, THERE ARE FEW PLAYERS WHO HAVE POSSESSED THE SKILL-SET TO MATCH THAT OF TERRENCE LEWIS.
The senior wideout, who also plays defensive back for BHS, is coming off a monster 2023 campaign, in which he racked up nearly 1,200 all-purpose yards and 10 scores, and subsequently claimed a unanimous first-team, all-district nod.
While his stats make him a genuine leading figure for the Vikings, Lewis had to earn that distinction over time.
“Being here since I was a freshman, which was coach (Ricky) Tullos’ first year, really inspired me to become a better player and a better leader,” he said. “Before, I kind of had an attitude problem and I wasn’t the person I am now. But, with him and his staff coming here, I changed my tune overtime and I think that was the best thing for my teammates, my family and myself.”
Given the level of athleticism he’s reached, and the availability to play other sports, it begs the question as to what’s kept the three-star route-runner (247Sports) in the game this long and to this degree.
“Really, it was my big brother (Tyree Jackson),”said Lewis. “I’d watch him play at Brenham High School on Friday nights, where we grew up. We’ve always loved football but he brought this onto me, and seeing him made me want to pursue it.
“You’ve got to have love to play this game. Also, ever since my mom passed away in September of 2020, she’s been motivating me to keep pushing. Some people go the other way when something like that happens in their life. But, I think she would want me to keep moving forward and that’s what I do. I do it for her.”
That unwavering pursuit has resulted in Lewis being given the opportunity to continue his playing career at the D1 level, after recently committing to the University of North Texas in July.
“They offered me back in April, and they have stayed consistent with me ever since,” he said. “That’s rare for colleges nowadays, so the fact that they kept reaching out to me and expressing their interest really spoke to me.
“The relationship that me,coach (Jordan) Davis (UNT Offensive Coordinator) and coach (Eric) Morris (Head Coach) built over time made it feel like home.”
Bryan’s most versatile weapon will fit right in with the Mean Green offensive scheme a year from now.
But first, he still has one more mission to complete on the turf, after the Vikings narrowly missed out on the postseason in 2023.
“I think it’ll take more leadership for us to reach the point we’re looking for,” Lewis said. “We need to be more than a team – a single brotherhood with one purpose. I think we achieved that cohesive level over the summer, and that’s what we’ll use in order to strive for success. We’ve got that this year.”
Lewis’ love for the game and those around him are sure to play a key role in the foreseeable future. Now, all that’s left to do is wait for the first snap.