ASU has re-established jersey no. 25 to Deantre Lewis. Lewis broke out as a freshman in 2010 wearing #25.

Tempe, AZ – The fateful moment was around 4 PM on February 12, 2011. That was when everything changed in an instant for Deantre Lewis.

Lewis was back home visiting his family in California when a random gun shot to his upper left leg sent his life into a tailspin.

During his freshman season, Lewis was an electric athlete and touchdown machine. He finished the year with 539 rushing yards and 370 receiving yards, and the future of the Sun Devil running game was in good hands. Then the unthinkable happened.

Fast forward to today, and Deantre is finally 100% healthy, both physically and mentally ready to contribute.

Lewis knows it won’t be easy. With established running backs Marion Grice and DJ Foster firmly entrenched in the backfield rotation, Lewis knows he will have to fight for every inch to see the field in 2013.

However, similar to the Sun Devil football slogan for 2013, Lewis is ready for “Any Challenge.”

-Deantre Lewis

Humility is also a big part of his vocabulary now. On ASU media day, Lewis said, “However the coaches plan to use me, I’ll take advantage of it.” That attitude is what will get him in the huddle this season.

Now more than ever, Lewis wants to give back to the maroon & gold.

“This year I plan on giving it all to my team. They’ve been supportive of me since day one, and they push me every time I start getting down, so it’s my expectation to give back to them and work real hard.”

boom.

He is also back to appreciating simple joys like reaching the end zone on game day. “Mentally, I’m feeling good. My mindset in game one is to be able to score again. That’s going to bring joy to me and probably some tears.”

 Looking back on his journey, Lewis has a new perspective and is grateful for his Sun Devil brothers.

“They never gave up on me and I don’t plan on giving up on them.”

How much will Lewis contribute to the Sun Devils in 2013? Share your comments in the DieHard Forums below.