Taylor Lewan: "I don't really know what Michigan has out there"
Adam Rittenberg of ESPN's B1G Blog provides us with this Taylor Lewan profile piece. It's actually a pretty interesting read and I recommend the entire article to you. That said, it contains the following passage in which Lewan talks about how in his last year in Ann Arbor, he wants to expand his horizons beyond that of the typical football player.
Hoke calls it "an education," and Lewan will continue his on the field and in the classroom and outside of it at Michigan. Winning a Big Ten title and completing his degree factored into his decision, but Lewan also wants more out of his college experience.
He hopes another year at Michigan allows him to do what few college football players can -- engage in campus life.
"As a football player, the biggest thing you do is hang out with the football people," he said. "Maybe some hockey guys, maybe some baseball guys here and there. I don't really know what Michigan has out there. If you play college football, your college experience is officially different from everybody else's and that’s how it’s going to be. I think it would be cool to see the different societies going on at Michigan, meet different people, all the things they do to contribute to the University of Michigan.
"I contribute in such a little way compared to some other people. I'm a source of entertainment. The things other people do are much bigger than what I do."
So, MGoBlogerati:
- What things should Lewan partake in that don't involve South Campus?
- Where should he spend his time so that he truly rounds out his Michigan education?
Also, the article features this pretty awesome photo.
April 12th, 2013 at 10:42 AM ^
it looks like he is about to crash clap those two fools together.
April 12th, 2013 at 10:44 AM ^
Brian's where to eat and drink in Ann Arbor piece!
April 12th, 2013 at 10:48 AM ^
First stop: Mary Sue Coleman's yacht club.
April 12th, 2013 at 10:50 AM ^
April 12th, 2013 at 11:36 AM ^
I LOL'd for 30 seconds at this^^^^
April 12th, 2013 at 10:53 AM ^
who will soon be very wealthy. I have the feeling that graduation will not signal the end of his involvement with the University of Michigan.
And it looks like he should have been flagged for holding #34.
April 12th, 2013 at 10:57 AM ^
Or flagged for Awesome.
Also, hand inside the shoulder = not a hold (I think)
April 12th, 2013 at 11:34 AM ^
Consider the impact that the #77 jersey has had for a decade now. That other jersey hangs forlorn and lonely on a hook somewhere.
Why is that picture not titled "You Shall Not Pass"?
Edit: Don, you can't even see his entire hand. Are you by any chance a Ref?
Hardly; what I don't know about rules specifics in football would fill an encylopedia.
But this I do know: if that situation was exactly reversed and it was a Nebraska OL with a fistful of Frank Clark's jersey, the vast majority of Michigan fans would all be screaming—loudly—for a flag.
April 12th, 2013 at 11:01 AM ^
April 12th, 2013 at 11:04 AM ^
When I read about Taylor's self-awareness and appreciation for being a Michigan Man, or about how the basketball team handled the loss on Monday, or about the way someone like Denard handles his fame on campus ... man, I'm just proud that Michigan athletics gives us so many good kids to cheer for -- young men who try to be the best both on and off the field/court.
As for things Taylor can do to "round out" his Michigan experience... as an alum of the School of Music, I'd humbly suggest he hit up any of the outstanding concerts (almost always free) put on by the various ensembles at the School -- many at Hill Auditorium on Central Campus, so no need to trek to the SoMusic building on North Campus. The annual Collage Concert in January is a great way to see all different types of ensembles and styles of music back-to-back without pause.
Totally agree with you. As an alum (1995) who was completely spoiled by athletic success in the big name sports, I am more proud now about my school than I was even then. While I knew a number of athletes then who were all great people, this current crop of coaches and players, esp in FB and Men's hoops, seem so nice, grounded, and mature.
April 12th, 2013 at 11:08 AM ^
It has been awhile, but here are a few ideas:
Dance Marathon is a great group in which to be involved and didn't require too much time.
Explore the food: Ali Baba's, Seva, Jersualem Garden, Banfield's in Ypsi, Tio's
Monitor the schedule at the League: There are a ton of cool things there and most aren't too expensive
Check out Music School performances: Again, cheap and pretty neat
Read the pillars: Check out the postings on the big concrete pillars in the diag/central campus area. There are always neat things there.
Ann Arbor Hands On Museum: Volunteering is not super time consuming and that place is pretty cool
Safe Walk: Not sure if this still exists, but it's a couple of hours per week where you hang out at the library and wait for people to call to ask to be walked home. Imagine how surprised you would be to have Taylor Lewan walk you home.
Take an astro class: There is an observational lab on the roof of Angell Hall at night. How cool is that? Plus, how awesome is it to be able to point out constellations to a girl when you are walking around campus?
I am sure there are a ton of things that started after I graduated, but these are just a few neat things to check out.
April 12th, 2013 at 11:42 AM ^
Damn, good list, out of all of those I only did a few: Dance marathon, the school's acapella, and an astro class.
April 12th, 2013 at 11:49 AM ^
I agree with this list. As a 4-year DM dancer, I agree that's a perfect way to get involved. He doesn't need to dance himself, but being a moraler is a huge help and still gives you a good look at what's going on. Especially if you go at 3am or something (when you're really needed). Lewan showing up in the tough hours would sure wake everyone up too.
As far as music performances, I would suggest an a capella choir. The music is upbeat and current, and our groups are so talented. Also, if you check out one of the non-all-male groups, chances are the girls will be cute (like he needs help in this department, but still).
As far as your safe walk suggestion, not only would the person be surprised that Lewan was walking him/her home, but I promise he or she would be very fucking safe.
It would be great entertainment (not to mention viral Youtube sensation) to see some fool try to mess with a female student that Taylor was escorting home.
April 12th, 2013 at 11:13 AM ^
I believe that picture describes what the young people refer to as "trucking fools"?
April 12th, 2013 at 11:26 AM ^
That's just impressive to hear from a big time athlete. Great perspective on life.
April 12th, 2013 at 11:38 AM ^
head to the big house and watch a great football game - it's a must!
April 12th, 2013 at 11:46 AM ^
He should visit the Wilson Center, lots of cool stuff happens there
April 12th, 2013 at 12:44 PM ^
I'll give him a tour of the wind tunnel if he wants to stop by while visiting the Wilson Center...
April 12th, 2013 at 11:52 AM ^
It's funny how he says he doesn't hang out with many non-athlete guys. When I was in college, Jake Long got pretty involved in smoking the hookah on the porch of my fraternity. Slightly funny story - those stackable plastic chairs are no match for dudes his size. Him sitting on it was like standing on a beer can - holds for about a second, then disappears.
April 12th, 2013 at 11:56 AM ^
But dude... there's a photo of you simply owning TWO large, powerful men. If I ever accomplish that "little", I'll be extatic.
how you intended it....
April 12th, 2013 at 11:58 AM ^
April 12th, 2013 at 12:02 PM ^
Not campus related, but he should ride his tandem bike along the coast of Michigan. Or a motocycle. That's what I'm doing this summer and I could use a large and terrifying man to ward off any trouble at the biker bars.
April 12th, 2013 at 12:11 PM ^
Just sayin.....
April 12th, 2013 at 12:29 PM ^
Rackham is another great place if you are ever on Central Campus.
When Adam asks him if there is anyone like Elliot Mealer on the team in regards to growing facial hair. Lewan: "No, that man is a wildebeest." Classic!
Wow. That's really humble and mature of him to think that way.
That is the mindset of someone who is destined to conquer the world.
The funny part about that picture is that lewan should have been called for holding both of them (not sure if he was). but hey, it happens. still looks awesome, like both of those poor fools from nebraska don't have a snowball's chance in hell of getting by him, no matter how far around him they thought they ran
He's absolutely not holding the guy to his left, and the other guy is borderline depending on how long he had his jersey like that. You can grab jersey when you hand is on the guy, but when he pulls away you need to let go. If after this photo is snapped, Lewan either let go of the jersey or let go of his other guy to engage fully with the guy on his right, he's fine and there's no penatly.
should see the collage concert at the Hill in the Spring.
And grow dreads and follow the basketball team to the Final Four.
April 12th, 2013 at 11:34 PM ^
It worked out ok. As I recall, he wasn't worried about filling shoes as much as he was filling shoulder pads.
best years of your life even for an ace OL ... make lifelong friends, be in awe of some of best minds in the world, watch a concert or two, be a fan yourself and watch BB team make another NC run next year!