Marcedes Lewis

Marcedes Alexis Lewis (born May 19, 1984) is an American football tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was drafted from UCLA as the 28th pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. As a senior at UCLA, Lewis won the John Mackey Award.

Early years

Lewis was born in Los Alamitos, California. He graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School where he was teammates with Winston Justice, Darnell Bing, Manuel Wright, and Hershel Dennis, all who chose to attend rival USC. Marcedes also competed in a nationally televised game against De La Salle of Concord, California in 2001 against future college and pro teammate Maurice Jones-Drew.^[1] As a senior, Lewis was named as a Parade All-American and was considered a top prospect by all major recruiting services.^[2]

College career

Lewis played four seasons for UCLA of the Pacific 10 Conference. In 49 games with the Bruins, Marcedes started 32 times. He ranks ninth on the school’s overall career-record list and first among tight ends with 126 receptions, holding the UCLA tight end all-time records with 1,571 yards receiving and 21 touchdowns. In 2005, Lewis won the John Mackey Award, given annually to the top tight end in college football.

Professional career

Lewis was selected by the Jaguars with the 28th pick in the 2006 NFL draft. He played college football with Maurice Jones-Drew at UCLA who was also selected on the first day. In July 2006, Lewis signed a five-year, $7.5 million contract that included $4.8 million guaranteed. Lewis was represented by NFL agent, James "Bus" Cook. Lewis initially did not live up to expectations in terms of pass catching ability with 91 receptions through three seasons. However, he has impressed coaches with his blocking ability. He was used as a blocker a lot in the 2008 NFL season due in part to an injured offensive line. Marcedes Lewis has been active in his hometown community of Long Beach, California.^[3]

In 2010, Lewis matched the Jaguars single season TD receptions record with a total of 10 and was selected to his first Pro Bowl. He had previously been named as an alternate for the 2009 Pro Bowl.^[4] Due in part to the possible NFL lockout in 2011 the Jaguars placed the franchise tag on Lewis on February 24, 2011.^[5] On August 5, after a short training camp hold out, Lewis signed a five-year contract reportedly worth about $35 million ($17 million guaranteed).

Awards

• 2005 John Mackey Award (Best TE)
• 2005 All-American Team
• 2005 All-Pac 10 Team
• 2004 John Mackey Award Finalist (Best TE)
• 2004 All-American Team
• 2004 All-Pac 10 Team
• Prep Star Dream Team (Best Prep TE)
• Super Prep All-American
• Super Prep Elite (rated #4)
• Parade All-American
• Student Sports Hot 100 List (#30)
• 2011 Pro Bowl Tight End

References

External links

• Player Bio at the Official Site of the Jacksonville Jaguars
• Player Bio at the Official UCLA site