NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 27: Quarterback Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans sfter defeating the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. Michigan State Spartans won 27-21. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)The past three years for Brian Lewerke have been special, but the former Michigan State quarterback is ready for the next chapter of his career.
In 2019, Lewerke had 3,079 passing yards and 17 touchdown passes. He also added 363 yards and three more touchdowns on the ground.
Lewerke isn’t just a solid athlete that can beat defenses with his strong arm or mobility, he’s also an exceptional leader. During his three-year stint as the starting quarterback for the Spartans, he was named team captain twice.
We were fortunate enough to sit down with Lewerke to discuss his career at Michigan State, preparation for the NFL Draft and thoughts on Mark Dantonio stepping down. Let’s get this interview started.
The Spun: How was the NFL Combine experience and do you think you left a great mark on the coaches there?
Brian Lewerke: Yeah, I thought it was pretty cool experience to meet all the guys there and be around NFL coaches. I thought I did pretty well during the throwing drills, I put my best foot forward in that. Meetings with coaches went well – very well actually. Michigan State runs a pro-style offense and has pro-style terminology, so I was able to answer the questions pretty well.
“First MSU QB with 8,000 pass yards and 1,000 rush yards in his career.” @brianlewerke14 💪 pic.twitter.com/gvQNGVdNIH
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) February 28, 2020
The Spun: You had a great career at Michigan State. What was your favorite win?
BL: Probably the Michigan win in 2017. It was my first road start against the Wolverines. We were at their place and got a win in the monsoon. I had a lot of fun playing in that game.
The Spun: What as the toughest road environment in the Big Ten?
BL: Toughest environment might have to be Nebraska. I didn’t play in that game due to an injury, but that place was extremely loud. Same with Penn State, which is probably the coolest environment. Back in 2018, we played them on the road and it was a ‘White Out’ game. We scored with like 20 seconds left to win the game, it was pretty sweet.
The Spun: Mark Dantonio resigned earlier this offseason. What was your initial reaction to that news?
BL: I was a little shocked to be honest. I wasn’t expecting it this early. I knew he was kind of getting old and he might be retiring soon, but I was not expecting it to be this year. He’s done a lot of great things here. He’s one of the – if not the – greatest coaches in school history. So, he’s done enough to put his stamp on the program and I’m just glad I was a part of his tenure.
Thank you for everything Coach 🐐 https://t.co/jJE5Ee2039
— Brian Lewerke (@brianlewerke14) February 4, 2020
The Spun: Do you think Dantonio will ever coach again?
BL: If I were to guess, I’d probably say he’s done coaching. I don’t think he’s looking to start over somewhere new. I think Michigan State was that place for him, and if he’s done with it for right now, I would imagine he’d be done for the rest of his life.
The Spun: I’m not sure if you know him at all, but what’d you think about Michigan State hiring Mel Tucker?
BL: I wasn’t able to meet him due to all the health concerns right now. I was hoping to while I was up here in Michigan. I heard some good things about him when I was training in Colorado with a couple of guys from his former team. They said he was a cool guy and they loved playing for him. Without spring football it’ll be tough to implement a new offense and defense, but I expect them to be very good this year and I think Mel Tucker will lead them in a good direction.
The Spun: Which NFL quarterback do you watch on tape and try to replicate on the field?
BL: Recently, I’ve been looking at Aaron Rodgers. His throwing motion is just so clean. I’m trying to emulate a couple things that he does in that sense. And obviously he’s a great winner. He knows how to win games and he knows how to put the ball in the right place. So, I’ve been looking at some YouTube videos of him to study his stuff and see what I can copy.
I’ve been working with some Quarterbacks the last few days as they prepare for their all-star games and the combine.
Brian Lewerke is a promising prospect. Great athlete (4.61 40) who has a big arm. We’ve made some small changes to his motion and [email protected]_Collective @WillHewlett pic.twitter.com/aQxMc9hyJh
— Sage Rosenfels (@SageRosenfels18) January 7, 2020
The Spun: The NFL is moving toward an era where mobile quarterbacks reign supreme. You proved at Michigan State that you can beat defenses with your legs. Do you think your mobility will help you out at that next level?
BL: For sure. That’s another aspect that teams have to prepare for. I know my 40-yard dash time wasn’t superb at the NFL Combine. I was hoping to get another shot at my pro day, but I had over 1,000 rushing yards in college and my film speaks for itself. I’m able to make plays when the pocket breaks down. Even on zone read plays where I have to read the defensive ends, I think I’m athletic enough to get outside some of those guys and get around the edge.
The Spun: What would you say is your greatest quality on or off the field?
BL: I think I’m just a good teammate. I get along with guys very easily. I can kind of relate to a lot of people too. That’s what I try to do when I get on a team, especially a new one. If I’m coming up on a new team, I try to relate to guys and get to know them.
Thankful for everything 🙏🏼 https://t.co/kA0YJM2Jek
— Brian Lewerke (@brianlewerke14) December 28, 2019
Lewerke will try to become the next Michigan State quarterback to stick around at the next level. We’ve already seen Brian Hoyer, Drew Stanton and Kirk Cousins have success in the NFL.
Michigan State fans can find out where Lewerke will resume his football career next month.
You can read more of our interviews with athletes or media stars here.
