Alabama State University Athletics

Ryan Lewis begins his third season at Alabama State as the the Hornets' Defensive Coordinator and linebackers coach in 2023.

In his third season, ASU led the SWAC in scorind defense 14.5 (2nd FCS), and ranked second in total defense (281.9 (3rd FCS), passing yards allowed (181.0/10th FCS), rush defense and (100.9/9th FCS). The Hornes were third in the SWAC in fumbles recoved (11/10th FCS and fourth in turnovers gained (22).

The postseason awards saw three Hornets were named to the All-SWAC teams and two defensive u . Colton Adams was named to the first team while Treqwan Thomas and Mikey Victory was earned All-SWAC 2nd Team honors.  Colton Adams and Mikey Victory nabbed All-American Honors with Adams being named FCS Football Central's Defensive Player of the Year while Victor was an Aeneas Williams Finalist was later signed by the New England Patriots. 

In 2022, the Hornets ranked second in the SWAC in interceptions (14) and third total defense (313.9), rush defense (126.6) and pass defense (187.2). Linebacker Colton Adams, Andrew Ogletree (DL), Irshaad Davis (S), Keenan Issac (CB), Nelson Jordan (DL), and Brandon Gaddy (DL) were named Phil Steele All-SWAC. 

Adams earned BOXTOROW First-Team All-American, All-SWAC, and Hero Sports Sophomore All-American. The Wetumpka, Ala., native led the SWAC, and FCS, with 11.6 tackles per game in 11 starts at middle linebacker.  Adams registered a SWAC-best 128 tackles and ranked second with 52 solo tackles. He ranked seventh in the SWAC with 1.2 tackles for loss per game, 2.0 sacks, three pass breakups, and forced a fumble.  Additionally, Adrian Maddox was named a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, given annually to the top freshman in FCS.

He arrived to Bama State in 2022 from Bethune-Cookman, where he served as the Special Teams Coordinator/Linebackers coach after serving as  Associate Head Coach at Edward Waters College, where he was defensive coordinator and linebackers. He served prior at Bethune-Cookman as the Defensive Quality Control Coach and assisted with the linebackers.
 
As a graduate assistant coach, Lewis worked directly with standout Tavarus Dantzler, who finished his senior season with 80 tackles and would go on to sign a free agent contract with the Green Bay Packers. Also Ralph Williams, Jr. would lead the Wildcats with 101 total tackles, adding 14 behind the line with two sacks and three pass breakups and earn all-conference first team honors.
 
Lewis’ contributed to the Wildcats ending 2014 as the nations’ top-ranked defense, allowing just 237.8 yards per game. Other categories in B-CU led or finished near the top of the national charts were as follows: third down conversion defense (.250) – first; first downs defense (160) – second; passing yards allowed (157.58) – seventh; tackles for loss (8.6) – ninth; team pass efficiency defense (107.36) – 12th.
 
He returned to the Wildcats just prior to the beginning of the 2014 season after spending two years in camps on the professional level, including the Miami Dolphins.
 
One of BCU’s most noted players of the decade, Lewis was recognized as MEAC Preseason Player of The Year and one of the Top 10 linebackers by The Sports Network, and named a Preseason Second Team FCS All-American in 2011. He finished his senior season with 42 tackles, including 10.5 for loss and a team-high tying four interceptions and five deflections. He also forced three fumbles on the campaign.
 
In 2010, Lewis was a captain of a defense that ranked fourth nationally in pass efficiency defense (93.97), 15th in scoring defense (19.0 PPG), 25th in pass defense (174.9 YPG) and aided the team in ranking first overall in turnover margin (+2.25) from week one forward. Lewis’ stingy defensive play proved key in BCU’s 10-1 regular season record, leading the Wildcats to the MEAC crown and first NCAA FCS Playoff appearance since 2003. . He finished a stellar career at BCU top ten in school history for interceptions (10).
 
Lewis started 10 games, leading the 'Cats in tackles (81), including 44 solo stops. He produced 17 tackles for loss (team high) with five quarterback sacks. He would record four hurries, three pass breakups and four forced fumbles (team high) throughout the year. Two of his fumble recoveries went for a touchdown, while he also registered four interceptions and a total of 3 defensive touchdowns (team high) – one going for touchdown. At the end of the season, Lewis garnered All-MEAC First Team honors and BASN HBCU All-America accolades.
 
A native of Pompano Beach, Florida, Lewis earned his degree from Bethune-Cookman in 2012, majoring in Physical Education, and Master’s Degree from Bethune-Cookman in 2015, majoring in Transformative Leadership.