While attending high school, Lewis won the Colorado state championship in both the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints three consecutive years.
He played college football at Michigan State University for 3 years under coach John L. Smith and ran track and field.
The Denver Post wrote at the time: "The day before his graduation Lewis became the fastest young man in Colorado.
[4][5] Lewis also participated in Michigan State's spring football practice in 2005, but did not play in the regular season due to a shoulder injury.
In 2008, he totaled 51 tackles, four interceptions, and 13 pass break-ups, and was named the Great West Conference Player of the Week after playing Montana State.
[1][7] After Lewis's performance against Montana State, SUU defensive coordinator Cole Wilson said: "He's got the right frame of mind.
His sprinting career suffered a setback when he dislocated his shoulder at SUU's spring football game in April 2008.
"[11] One month after the injury, Lewis qualified for the NCAA West Regional with a time of 10.61 seconds at the Mid-Continent Conference Championships.
[11] At the West Regional, Lewis qualified to advance to the NCAA Track and Field Championships with a time of 10.40 seconds.