10/22/01

Lewis named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week

Senior MLB D.D. Lewis, a Butkus Award semifinalist, registered his school-record 10th career fumble recovery during Saturday's 41-7 victory against No. 14 Colorado.

DALLAS - Texas senior MLB D.D. Lewis (Houston, Texas) was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week Award, the conference announced on Monday.

Lewis - who started his 45th consecutive contest (T-No. 2 on UT's all-time list) - posted six tackles, two TFLs, one sack and a pair of QB pressures in UT's 41-7 victory against No. 14 Colorado on Saturday. The Butkus Award semifinalist also recovered the 10th fumble of his career and moved into sole possession of first place on UT's all-time chart. With Lewis leading the way, the UT defense held a Buffaloes offense that was averaging 224.7 rushing yards (13th/NCAA), 423.7 total yards (24th/NCAA) and 31.3 points per game (27th/NCAA) to just 124 yards rushing, 289 total yards and seven points. The Longhorns also forced Colorado into nine three-and-outs in 15 possessions and limited the Buffs to only two third down conversions in 14 attempts (14.3%).

"D.D. just became a semifinalist for the Butkus Awrd and became our all-time leader in fumble recoveries this past weekend," Texas head coach Mack Brown said. "He is not only deserving of this honor but national attention as well because he is one of the top linebackers in the country. D.D. is also one of the best leaders I have ever coached and this football team looks to him for leadership."

The No. 7 Longhorns (6-1, 3-1 Big 12) return to action on Saturday when they play at Missouri (3-3, 2-2 Big 12). Kickoff from Faurot Field is scheduled for 1 p.m.