Exclusive: One-on-one with OU's star linebacker, Kip Lewis

I remember two seasons ago watching Kip Lewis, just a redshirt freshman at the time, make play after play on special teams. Then, when filling in for a banged-up Danny Stutsman, he made plays at linebacker that season. I remember thinking, “This young linebacker is so instinctive, and he plays so fast.” My one concern was his size- listed at just 206 pounds. Well, he is now listed at 226 pounds, and he was exceptional in his first full season as the starter. 

ON FIELD RESULTS 

In 2024 Kip Lewis tallied sixty-three tackles, four tackles for losses, and two interceptions. And who can forget the 63-yard interception touchdown to beat Auburn? (The one Toby Rowland masterfully branded as the “Kip Six”) New inside linebackers coach Nate Dreiling also praised Lewis’s defensive IQ, saying Lewis has been helping him learn all the calls in a complicated Brent Venables-led defense. 

LINEBACKERS LEADING THE WAY 

Paired with Kobie McKinzie as inside backers this year, and with a supporting cast of Kendal Daniels, Sammy Omosigho, and Kendel Dolby, I expect Lewis and his fellow linebackers to be the lifeblood of what should be one of the top defenses in the SEC this season. 

I caught up with Kip Lewis one-on-one at the Crimson Combine Saturday.

Chris: Personally, what were your focuses this spring and where do you feel like you improved? 

Lewis: Just pre-snap, being patient, and with my foot work. I spent a lot of time with that and feel like I've gotten better. And I feel like I’ve gotten better with pass drops. 

Chris: Leadership wise, do you feel like you've taken on an even bigger role as a vocal part of this defense and as someone people can lean on? 

Lewis: Yeah, yeah. You know, that was one of my challenges coming into this year was being more vocal. I feel like I am hitting it on the money right now. All I can do is just keep getting better at it. 

Chris: Was there a difference in the energy this Spring Ball than past springs? 

Lewis: Yeah, you know, especially with the offense. [New offensive coordinator] Ben Arbuckle brings a lot of juice to that offense. And so, it was different energy this spring. And so that's what I loved about it. That's what I love about Arbuckle. 

Chris: Kip, what should fans expect this defense to look like on the field this season? 

Lewis: Just like a relentless defense that is going to come at you every play. We are going to scratch and claw at you and do whatever it takes to get you off the field.