Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh spoke at Big Ten media days in Chicago, Illinois with Jake Butt, Amara Darboh and Jourdan Lewis. The four passed on information about the 2016 season. Last campaign, the Wolverines finished 10-3 with a 6-2 Big Ten record.
Lewis, a senior All-American cornerback, is in the national spotlight for his outstanding defense, but that is not enough.
During 7-on-7 drills this summer, Lewis spent time with possible starting quarterback John O’Korn as a receiver. Lewis will attempt to convince Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh to give him offensive opportunities.
"I’m going to put this out there right now, I want to play offense, receiver," Lewis said. "I love having the ball in my hands, I love being out there trying to make plays."
The 5-foot-10, 175-pound superstar played receiver and cornerback at Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Michigan. Lewis believes his offensive game could be compared to Antonia Brown of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"I think I’m a little Antonio Brown, I can run some routes, I’m a pretty good route runner," Lewis said. "I have quickness. Got to catch the ball though. That’s obvious on the defensive side. But it’s kind of easier when you can locate the ball as a receiver, you’re seeing the ball in flight the whole way.
"Honestly, whatever I can do to get my hands on the ball, I want to do it."
With two-way player Jabrill Peppers already making major strides, Michigan could have a dynamic duo if they allow Lewis to play on both sides of the ball. Butt, who is the tight end for the Wolverines, thinks Lewis would do well on offense.
"Oh yeah, I think JD could definitely play offense. I've seen him run routes," Butt said. "For not having played receiver in college, he could probably step in and play receiver for us and he could probably start at a lot of schools.
"I've seen him run some routes that are really, really good."
Darboh, a senior wide receiver for Michigan, agrees with Butt.
"He's very quick in and out of his breaks," Darboh said. "I wouldn't be surprised to see him on offense (at some point this season)."