MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama football wide receiver Chris Lewis recently sat down with USAJaguars.com to discuss what it's meant to him to be able to play in his hometown, how he's seen the program develop over his time here and what he sees as his role on the team, among other things.

Lewis, a senior from Mobile, Ala., has been a member of the South Alabama roster since signing with the Jags out of McGill-Toolen High School prior to the start of the 2012 season.  During his time with the program, Lewis has played in 20 games and recorded 10 receptions for 96 yards.  As a junior, Lewis made his first career start against North Carolina State and recorded a career-best 55 yards on two receptions.

What do you like about playing in offensive coordinator Bryant Vincent's scheme?
"I like all of the versatility that we have in both the running and passing game; we have a lot of different play-makers in our offense."

Were there any similarities in what you did offensively in high school?
"I would say that there are a lot of similarities with what we ran in high school, especially in what we do with the slot receiver position.  The main difference is that at McGill [-Toolen] we didn't have a tight end like we do here.  Having a great tight end like we have helps open things up for the receivers because the defense has to double-cover him."

How have you improved from the offseason conditioning program?
"I feel I've improved a lot, mainly in the mental aspects; I've seen how far I can push myself.  I've learned to push myself even more.  I've also learned to put in extra work in order to outdo others."

What factored into your decision to come to South Alabama?
"Being from Mobile, I wanted to stay close to home.  At the time I made my decision, my grandma was sick.  I was originally going to go to Jacksonville State, but I decided that I wanted to stay closer to home."

What has it meant to you to be able to continue playing football in your hometown?
"It's been great.  People who have been watching me play since 'park ball', middle school, high school are all able to come to my games.  I like them being able to be there."

As a player playing in front of your hometown crowd, is there an extra sense of pride that you take in being a Jaguar?
"It definitely means a lot to me.  I don't like losing, especially in Mobile.  We played at Ladd [Stadium] when I was in high school and I can count on one hand how many times I lost there.  It means a lot to me to play there and be successful."

What are you wanting to do after your football career is over?
"I want to train other athletes.  I want to be like a Pro Day specialists."

What are some challenges the offense faces this week vs. New Mexico State?
"New Mexico State is really athletic.  We can't underestimate anybody, especially in this league."

What do you feel will be some key areas for the offense in order to be successful?
"I would say that we need to get our running game started early.  Once we are able to do that, it will open up our passing game and gives us a chance to slow their defensive line down and slow down their pass rush."

As a five-year member of the program, how have you seen it develop during that time?
"The program has come a long way.  When I first got here, guys like Jeremé Jones, Bryant Lavender, Corey Waldon and Corey Besteda, really taught me the ropes.  They helped me grow up fast.  The program has grown so much, even throughout the community.  There are little kids that come up to you now and say that they want to be a Jaguar and play football here."

How would you describe your leadership style?  Are you more of a vocal leader or one who leads by example?
"I tend to do both.  When I go out there and make a play, the young guys want to also make a play like that.  When someone's down, I like to pick them up, especially when someone in the receiving group is having a rough time."

What do you view as your role on this team?
"I would probably say that I'm the person that helps keep everyone up; I always try to have a smile on my face.  I love coming up here every day and it's just a blessing to be doing what I do every day, especially here in my hometown.  I feel the guys on the team look at me as the person that helps bring them 'juice' to get them going."

How have you seen yourself improve since last season and over the course of your career?
"I feel I've improved a lot.  Mentally I've grown as a person and as a player.  There are times when things don't go my way and I try to make the best of it.  I know I can control only what I can control, and I try to teach a lot of the younger guys that same thing."

Being a member of the program since the 2012 season, what is the most memorable thing you will take from your time here at South?
"I would have to say the win over Mississippi State this season."

After seeing limited action your first three seasons here, you developed a larger role on the team as a junior.  Was there a point during that season in which you kind of realized you could increase your role on the offense?
"I would say that it was on the first play of the North Carolina State game.  Coach Vincent had told be prior to the game that he was going to come to me on the first play.  I just put it upon myself then that I needed to make plays.  I kind of gained some more confidence after that game.  Last season taught me a lot."

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
"I would say my mom.  She's just been my strong backbone and supported me in everything I do.  Whatever decision I've made, she's there behind me 100 percent."

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