Noland-Lewis impressing in short time with team

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After only two days with the team, graduate transfer Cyril Noland-Lewis from Oregon State is making massive strides.

“He understands football,” cornerbacks coach Kevin Curtis said. “He’s played a lot of football and his experience and leadership will help this group.”

Noland-Lewis played across the secondary during his college career in Corvallis at linebacker, corner and safety.

He finished 2015 with 42 tackles and one interception at corner and dime back but slowly moved down the depth chart and was out of a job by the end of the season.

The former Ruston Bearcat will likely play cornerback at Tech. He had two interceptions in Wednesday night’s practice in that position. While it is obvious he still needs to learn the defense, Noland-Lewis is making good on early chances.

“He had to go up and get them,” head coach Skip Holtz said. “Neither pick hit him in the sternum.”

Gary Anderson, head coach at Oregon State, told The Oregonian he is fully behind Noland-Lewis’ decision to leave.

“I support his decision wholeheartedly for Cyril to move along again to that next adventure in life," Andersen said. "I think it's so important. People like to make big deals out of those things sometimes. But kid's put in a lot of hard work.”

While he may not be an immediate contributor, coach Holtz thinks Noland-Lewis will be an impact player this year.

“He’s shown us his athleticism,” Holtz said. “Now if we can just teach him some of the techniques and what we’re trying to do in our defense, I think he’s going to be really good. I think he’s going to be a great addition for us.”