The Enigma that is Taylor Lewan
I was enthusiastic, nay, unbelievably relieved when Lewan decided to return to Michigan for his final season. Not only would we have an anchor on an offensive line in transition, but we also would be privy to off-the-field behavior that was more entertaining than anything else. Exhibit A: twosie.
But as the season's coffin is finally sealed shut, I look back on Lewan's season with a combination of resignation and confusion. I've not really had to resolve this dichotomy with a player before, but after witnessing a series of behaviors on the field that made my head shake, my internal jury's out on whether or not Lewan's decision to return to Michigan was beneficial, for both himself and the team.
Besides the after-the-whistle behavior that almost got him suspended (including last night's run-in with a cheerleader, which was just a 22 year old dude hitting on a cute girl), is it fair to pin some of the offensive line's woes on a lack of guidance from the unit's veteran? And at what point do we, as fans, find the balance between celebrating a collegiate player's talent and capabilities and his behavior outside of it?
I don't know if this is a question that coaches have to process often. But it makes me wonder whether we - and Hoke - gave Lewan too much of a free pass for poor sportsmanship simply because he was the only thing keeping Gardner from getting his kidneys lacerated this season.
December 29th, 2013 at 2:57 PM ^
December 29th, 2013 at 2:57 PM ^
December 29th, 2013 at 3:09 PM ^
As bad as this season has been, I would be a bit surorised if Lewan does not at least somewhat regret coming back. I mean the guy passed up millions of dollars this year for what, a chance to play for a team that is struggling with almost every team it plays and is getting beaten by most decent teams it plays.
December 29th, 2013 at 3:09 PM ^
As bad as this season has been, I would be a bit surorised if Lewan does not at least somewhat regret coming back. I mean the guy passed up millions of dollars this year for what, a chance to play for a team that is struggling with almost every team it plays and is getting beaten by most decent teams it plays.
December 29th, 2013 at 3:10 PM ^
As bad as this season has been, I would be a bit surorised if Lewan does not at least somewhat regret coming back. I mean the guy passed up millions of dollars this year for what, a chance to play for a team that is struggling with almost every team it plays and is getting beaten by most decent teams it plays.
December 29th, 2013 at 3:40 PM ^
December 29th, 2013 at 3:10 PM ^
As bad as this season has been, I would be a bit surorised if Lewan does not at least somewhat regret coming back. I mean the guy passed up millions of dollars this year for what, a chance to play for a team that is struggling with almost every team it plays and is getting beaten by most decent teams it plays.
December 29th, 2013 at 3:39 PM ^
December 29th, 2013 at 3:10 PM ^
As bad as this season has been, I would be a bit surorised if Lewan does not at least somewhat regret coming back. I mean the guy passed up millions of dollars this year for what, a chance to play for a team that is struggling with almost every team it plays and is getting beaten by most decent teams it plays.
December 29th, 2013 at 3:39 PM ^
December 29th, 2013 at 3:39 PM ^
Lol funnies part of the whole game was Michigan's #77 coming up to @Leah_Schirbs after a tackle and screaming "YOURE VERY GOOD LOOKING!" --@kylienewsom
December 29th, 2013 at 4:38 PM ^
He should have drawn a flag, for gender-stereotypification and appearance-based objectification, dehumanizing the little Wildcat as a mere sexual object for male consumption. Quick, somebody call our own Professor MacKinnon!
And a big +1 to you for correct usage of "nay" as an adverb in the OP.
December 29th, 2013 at 7:14 PM ^
December 29th, 2013 at 3:50 PM ^
December 29th, 2013 at 3:54 PM ^
Hearing that makes me chuckle a bit. But, it seems a bit strange to do that just after your team just gave up a turnover that confirmed a loss in your last collegiate game ever.
December 29th, 2013 at 4:52 PM ^
December 29th, 2013 at 4:06 PM ^
HITLER
December 29th, 2013 at 4:13 PM ^
And Justin Bieber.
December 29th, 2013 at 4:19 PM ^
December 29th, 2013 at 3:53 PM ^
It is always easy to throw stones at the leader and the captain when things do not proceed as planned.
Two-time All-American, two-time Big Ten OL of the year, and M captain. M man who turned down millions of dollars (at least delayed) to support his team and pursue an ellusive Big Ten championship.
He gave everything he could, failed, and let frustration get the better of him a few times. It happens to the best of us. I am sure he learned some tough leadership lessons along the way.
I, for one, was happy to see somebody as frustrated as me over this season, even though I do not necessarily agree with the mode of expression.
We should always be proud of those who decide to stay, even if they cannot be champions.
December 29th, 2013 at 3:57 PM ^
Can we end this thread now? Please?
December 29th, 2013 at 4:18 PM ^
Lewan came back, talked about dedication and leadership. He then went on to "guarantee" the state game. That week he could be seen at Scorekeepers on Thursday Night BEFORE the game. Then we lost to OHIO STATE and the guy goes out after the game and gets in trouble.
Not a leader. Doesn't understand sacrifice. Excited to move on. The younger guys are more dedicated and better leaders. Once we get this house cleaned, and all the players are on the same page, shit will be ok.
December 29th, 2013 at 4:42 PM ^
December 29th, 2013 at 8:16 PM ^
December 29th, 2013 at 4:48 PM ^
December 29th, 2013 at 4:57 PM ^
Explain how you think being a TEAM CAPTAIN and then going to the BARS in a COLLEGE TOWN before your biggest weeks of the season is BENIGN?
THESE KIDS ARE MAKING A CHOICE TO PLAY FOOTBALL FOR MICHIGAN. NOBODY IS MAKING THEM PLAY. THEY SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT AND ALSO UNDERSTAND THEY NEED TO ACT DIFFERENT THAN THEIR PEERS.
what is libel? that he got in trouble after the OHIO STATE game? That aint libel. Read the news. Wrong place wrong time you say? I say you put yourself in that place at that time.
Taylor will go to the NFL and be a great player. I just dont think hes the right leader for his peers at michigan.
December 29th, 2013 at 8:43 PM ^
Explain to me how going to the bar during a week of college is a cardinal sin, since I'm not 107 years old and apparently you are.
One random unverifiable Bucknuts story isn't "the news" unless you're a buckeye troll with zero life.
December 29th, 2013 at 10:59 PM ^
A) Being a premier player at a premier program and being the leader is a big responsibility. You lead by example. Do you think a good example is drinking at a bar past midnight 36 hours before the game against state? Could you not just wait for the offseason, or drink beers at home? Easy mature decisions. Ask around, no one ever saw chad henne at bars 2 days before games.
B) Being a premier player at a premier program and being the leader is a big responsibility. You lead by example. Do you think a good example is going out and being around a bar with fans of both teams til 5AM? Could you not just wait for the next day, or drink a few beers at home? Are you not upset about the game that just happenned? I couldn't go out that night. How could he?
Easy mature decisions.
December 29th, 2013 at 11:04 PM ^
I don't try to hide my identity (hence my screen name). I am 27. I played football and was a standout. I was recruited to tons of universities.
I made a choice that I wanted to be a regular college kid. I wanted to drink and party and not have the responsibilities and expectations of a student athlete.
I made that choice. I lived the life I chose and enjoyed it. I still go out.
I know how much we all care about Michigan Football. To be a part of the actual program requires you to know you are playing for your teammates and your coaches.
December 30th, 2013 at 12:30 AM ^
that you chose to forego a football scholarship and a free education in order to drink and party...when you were not of legal drinking age, and wouldn't be until your junior year...and you question Lewan's judgment?
January 3rd, 2014 at 10:37 PM ^
i wanted a premeir education and they dont offer free rides in the ivy league for playing football.
December 29th, 2013 at 5:03 PM ^
December 29th, 2013 at 6:09 PM ^
December 29th, 2013 at 10:09 PM ^