When Jai Lewis returned to his hometown of Aberdeen Friday, he was just like any other product of the local Boys and Girls Club.
But unlike other former members and volunteers, Lewis can talk of his new-found stardom in professional sports.
“They gave me a plaque,” said Lewis with a smile, of Friday?s appearance at the Aberdeen Boys and Girls Club. “I was a member, and I worked there for the summer, so I just came back and let the kids know everything was good.”
With the way March shook down for the 2001 Aberdeen High graduate, there was no surprise that a professional team would take notice of the George Mason basketball star, who helped the Patriots to the Final Four (where they lost in the semifinals to eventual champion Florida).
The shock came when Lewis signed a three-year contract with the New York Giants of the NFL.
Lewis hasn?t played football since his senior year at Aberdeen High School.
He just recently wrapped up a mini-camp with the Giants, where he has been working as an offensive lineman. In high school he was a defensive end and tight end for the Eagles.
“I thought it was going to be a lot more intense, but it was laid back,” said Lewis of the mini-camp. “They?re just trying to teach me some techniques.”
With his size (6-feet-7, 275 pounds), Lewis would be earmarked as an offensive lineman. But with his mobility and soft hands, the George Mason senior could develop into a pass-catching force.
After Friday?s appearance, Lewis spent the weekend relaxing at home and hanging out with friends and family at a Memorial Day cookout.
He?ll turn his focus to workouts Tuesday when he rejoins the Giants.
And like most college students, Lewis must complete an internship before graduation. He?s using his new contact with the Giants to work toward his sports management degree as anintern in the team?s front office.
Lewis? hard work on the field, and in the office, could go a long way toward a lengthy career.
“They just want to see my progress,” Lewis said. “Hopefully I?ll make the 53-man roster. Otherwise they?ll probably put me on the practice squad, so I can keep working and improve my abilities.”
Quick facts
Age: 23
High School: Aberdeen
Did you know? Lewis not only lettered in basketball and football for the Aberdeen Eagles but also played lacrosse ? Lewis averaged a team-best 13.7 points per game for the Patriots and topped the team in rebounding with an average of 7.8 a game in 35 games ? Younger brother Shawn is a defensive lineman for the Morgan State football team.
