GREEN & WHITE FOOTBALL

'Who wore it best' at Michigan State: No. 20

Lansing State Journal

Michigan State's Donnie Corley, playing for the White team, is tackled by the Green team's Jalen Watts-Jackson Saturday, April 23, 2016, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan.

Ever see a number on a Michigan State football jersey and think of all the great players to wear it? Me, too. In this daily series, I’ll give you my take on which Spartan football player was the best ever to wear each number. The criteria are simple: How did he perform at MSU? And what kind of impact did he have on the program?

No. 20 – Sherman Lewis

Halfback, 1961-63, Louisville, Kentucky

During his senior season in 1963, Sherm Lewis was named an Associated Press, United Press, Central Press, Football Writers Association and New York News All-American.

Résumé

1963: 90 rushes, 577 yards; 11 catches, 303 yards

Total: 1,566 yards rushing; 23 touchdowns; 144 points

Why Lewis?

“Whoa, he has trouble with the snap …” There is a good argument that Jalen Watts-Jackson should be in this slot. That’s how huge that play was. But this list reflects more than one moment. No. 20 belongs to Sherman Lewis.

Don’t remember him? Well, here is why he is the best to wear it.

During his senior season in 1963, Lewis was named an Associated Press, United Press, Central Press, Football Writers Association and New York News All-American after rushing the ball 90 times for 577 yards. He was also the Spartans’ leading receiver that fall, hauling in 11 passes for 303 yards.

Sherm Lewis finished third on the Heisman Trophy ballot, tying him for the highest finish in Michigan State history with Walk Kowalczyk (1957).

Lewis finished third on the Heisman Trophy ballot, tying him for the highest finish in Michigan State history with Walt Kowalczyk (1957).

At the time, the two longest pass plays in Spartans history belonged to Lewis – an 88-yard catch against Southern Cal and an 87-yarder against Wisconsin. He also took a handoff 87 yards for a score against Northwestern. Back then, it was the third-longest in program history.

The Kentucky native capped his three-year career as the No. 5 rusher in team history with 1,566 yards and was third in total touchdowns and points, 23 and 144, respectively.

Lewis went on to become a longtime assistant coach in the NFL from 1983 to 2009. He won three Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers and another with the Green Bay Packers.

So, while Watts-Jackson’s game-winning play at Michigan will always go down as one of the best in college football history, Lewis’ career was simply better.

Jalen Watts-Jackson (20) holds up his arm after being lifted on a stretcher to be carted off the field after Michigan State's 27-23 win over Michigan Saturday, October 17, 2015, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. Watts-Jackson recovered a fumble for a touchdown after time expired. He was hurt in the ensuing celebration. Preliminary reports are that he broke or dislocated his hip.

Who else wore No. 20?

Ashley Beaudouin (S, 2006), Theodore Bell (TB, 1975), Frank Butler (C, 1932-33), Carl Cappaert (QB, 1946-49), Nick Hill (RB, 2011-14), AJ Jimmerson (RB, 2006-09), Octavis Long (WR, 1995-97), Gary Lowe (HB/FB, 1954-55), George Mihaiu (QB, 1970-72), Todd Murray (CB, 1989-92), Warren Parks (T, 1921), Aaron Roberts (HB/FB, 1981-84), Kyle Selden (P, 2011), Julius Sleder (T, 1934-36), Steve Smith (TB, 1977-80), James Summers (DB, 1965-66), Jason Teague (RB, 2002-05), Davis Lewandowski (WR, current), Jalen Watts-Jackson (DB, 2015-17)

Contact Cody Tucker at (517) 377-1070 or cjtucker@lsj.com and follow him on Twitter @CodyTucker_LSJ.

MORE ON SHERMAN LEWIS:
* Lewis to be inducted into MSU Athletics Hall of Fame Sept. 7.
* Sherman Lewis: All-American halfback & longtime coach