The General

November 15, 2008

Dayne Duranti

The General

I keep waking up with only one sock on, despite the fact that I go to bed with two. It isn’t until later in the day when I remember that I had a dream, or better yet a nightmare. It’s a relatively common dream in that I am being chased by something. As the dream becomes clearer I remember that he is indeed a someone, not a something that chases my dormant body out of it's socks.

His brown eyes stare me down, I cannot escape them. He is barking commands; he is sliding back and forth in front of me. No matter what direction I go he is there, those eyes still staring deep into my soul. They seem to say “Don’t bother running; I will get you no matter what!” He is large, he is intense, he is awesome, he is football, he is Ray Lewis.

The ultimate All-Star linebacker of the Baltimore Ravens, Ray Lewis is all things awesome about professional football. He is a cunning and talented field general with winning in his blood.

As only a freshman at the University of Miami Lewis compiled 81 tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss, and four pass blocks in addition to being named to the freshman All-American team.

In his sophomore season, Lewis earned 1st team All-American and All-Big East. Lewis led the conference with 152 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, two sacks, and an interception.

Lewis was once again named to All American and Big East honors in his junior year. He lead the Big East in tackles, was the runner up for the Butkis Award, and set the record for the second most tackles in Hurricane history with 160 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, four blocked passes and a touchdown. Lewis decided to forgo his senior season at Miami to enter the NFL draft. He would later finish his Bachelor’s Degree.

Ray Lewis was drafted number 26 in the first round of the 1996 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens. Offenses everywhere have been quivering ever since. Lewis has career totals of over 1,520 tackles, 11 forced fumbles, 90 passes deflected, 30 sacks, 13 fumble recoveries, 25 interceptions, and two touchdowns in over 162 career games. Lewis has been selected to the NFL Pro Bowl nine times in twelve seasons and led the NFL in tackles five times. In 2003, Lewis led NFL linebackers with six interceptions, matching the all-time record for a middle linebacker in a single season.

That is why I fear Lewis. There is no other player in the National Football League that is more intimidating, more intelligent, or more of a leader on and off of the field as Ray Lewis. His defenses are always at the top of the league and well respected by other players and coaches. Despite what the Baltimore offenses do, Ray Lewis shows up Sunday after Sunday to do all he can to lead his Ravens to victory.

I ultimately respect Ray Lewis, and with the promise of success from rookie quarterback Joe Flacco and the 5-3 Ravens, his team may just surprise a few people. They say defense wins championships, if that is the case Ray Lewis has won 12 of them.

Keywords: Baltimore Ravens, Ray Lewis

Posted by Dayne Duranti | Like this post? Share it: