Kellen Lewis reinstated

Junior quarterback Kellen Lewis will be reinstated and will report with the team when training camp opens August 4, said IU head football coach Bill Lynch in a press release Monday. Lewis was suspended indefinitely March 6 for violating team rules.

“Kellen has worked very hard and reached all the benchmarks we set for him,” Lynch said in a statement. “He is committed to this football program and is excited to rejoin his teammates. We are happy to welcome him back.”

Last season Lewis led the Hoosiers to a 7-6 record and its first bowl game since 1993. Lewis started all 13 games and threw for 3,043 yards and 28 touchdowns. He added nine more rushing touchdowns and 736 yards on the ground. In 2007, Lewis broke seven individual passing records. His 42 career touchdown passes tieshim with Antwaan Randle El for most in school history.

Lewis was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team in 2006, and received second team All-Big Ten honors in 2007. On four occasions throughout his career, Lewis was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week.

Lewis made his IU debut versus Ball State in week two of the 2006 season. With quarterbacks Blake Powers and Graeme McFarland injured, Lewis stepped in and led the Hoosiers to a come-from-behind victory as they defeated the Cardinals 24-23. Lewis has started every game since.

Lewis’ suspension left red-shirt sophomore Ben Chappell as the team’s No. 1 quarterback during spring practice. In April’s annual Cream & Crimson scrimmage, Chappell threw for 169 yards, but has only played in three games thus far in his IU career.

With Lewis leading the Hoosiers, the team looks to build upon the success of last season’s bowl appearance as they open up the season Aug.30 at home against Western Kentucky.