In the long and successful history of Boston University football, two-time First Team All-American Paul Lewis stands out as one of the finest gridders to ever don a Scarlet and White uniform.
During his four year career from 1981 to 1984, he ran roughshod over Yankee Conference opponents, established a number of school and New England records and led the Terriers to three consecutive NCAA Division I-AA Tournament appearances.
Among his season and career marks are carries (339, 972), yards (1,603, 4,436), and points (128, 326). He also had single game bests for carries (44) and points (30). His 223 rushing yards against Richmond in 1983 earned him the Sports Illustrated national collegiate Offensive Player of the Week honor.
As a sophomore in 1982, he led the nation in scoring with 108 points and was third in rushing with 1,316 yards. For his efforts, he was named Second-Team All-East, First-Team All-New England, and Yankee Conference, as well as a two time Conference Player of the Week selection.
He improved upon these performances as a junior, rushing for 1,603 yards, which again placed him third nationally, while his 138 points ranked second in the nation. In recognition of his outstanding play, he was named First Team AP All-America and First Team Coaches All-America, as well as First Team All-East, New England, and Conference. In addition to a number of weekly honors and awards, he was also named New England Player of the Year, and Yankee Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
As a senior, he rumbled for 1,316 yards, scored 11 TDs, threw a pair of touchdown passes off the option play, and captained the club to a 9-3 overall mark and its third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. For the second straight year, he was named First Team All-America by both the Coaches and AP, becoming the first Terrier to be so honored. He received the Mickey Cochrane Award as the University's Male Athlete of the Year, and the Harry Agganis Award as the Team MVP, and was selected to play in the Blue-Gray Senior All-Star football classic.Â
