Lewis Ready To "Bring The Pain"

The free-agent signing of strong safety Michael Lewis has reunited the former University of Colorado standout with San Francisco 49ers secondary coach Vance Joseph. In an interview on the team's official Web site, Lewis explained his decision to sign with the Niners during free agency. Did the signing of Nate Clements influence him?

"He had a little to do with my situation. Nate's an outstanding cornerback and he's one of those guys you can just leave alone out on an island and just let him play," said Lewis. "Another factor was my coach, Vance Joseph. I played under him at Colorado and I played some of my best ball under him so it was an opportunity to get back playing for him."

While in college, Lewis twice won the school's Dave Jones Award for the most outstanding defensive player and the Hale Irwin Award for the most outstanding DB in his junior and senior seasons. He finished his collegiate career ranked ninth on the school's all-time list with 336 tackles, which was second best among defensive backs. Joseph was the secondary coach during Lewis' senior season, one that saw the defender become a unanimous All-Big 12 first-team choice and a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award, given to the nation's top DB. The expectation is that Lewis, a former second-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2002, will regain his Pro Bowl form under Joseph's tutelage. The play of Clements and Walt Harris should provide Lewis the freedom to fly around the field, inflicting pain on opponents. Lewis shared his delight about such an opportunity.

"Of course I love to hit and I love to lay somebody out. I grew up watching Ronnie Lott, Tim McDonald and some of the great safeties who have played here and I try to emulate my game after them," said Lewis. "That's very important to me. Striking fear into your opponent is something you always strive to do at this position. My role is to make plays. When the opportunity presents itself, I need to step up and make the play, whether that's an interception, a big hit, or causing a fumble." This much is clear: The situation Lewis finds himself in, playing for a former coach and with great corners, will offer him the best opportunity to make a significant impact next season. Opponents beware -- Lewis is ready to bring the pain.