Ad
RB Dorian Lewis, a Cleveland alum, to transfer from New Mexico
UNM running back Dorian Lewis (21) leaps through the air as New Mexico State cornerback BJ Sculark closes in during their Sept. 16, 2023 game at University Stadium. The teams play again Saturday in Las Cruces.
Published
Modified
New Mexico running back Dorian Lewis announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal Monday via a post on social media.
Lewis, a Rio Rancho native and Cleveland High School graduate, spent one season with the Lobos after transferring in from Coffeyville (Kansas) Community College in January 2023. He is immediately available to play at his next stop with two years of eligibility remaining.
College football’s spring transfer window is open from April 15-30.
“I want to take this opportunity to show my (utmost) appreciation to the coaching staff, and to the University of New Mexico, for their commitment and profound impact on my academic, athletic, and personal development,” Lewis wrote in a statement posted on X. “After careful thought and consideration with my family and God, I have come to the decision to enter my name into the transfer portal with 2 years of eligibility left.
“Thank you to both UNM and Lobo nation for all the love and support.”
UNM has now lost five of its six leading rushers from 2023 via expired eligibility or the transfer portal, including second team All-Mountain West running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (1,190 yards, 17 rushing touchdowns).
The only returner from that group, backup Andrew Henry (350 yards, three rushing touchdowns) figures to compete with Arizona State transfer Javen Jacobs and Iowa State transfer Eli Sanders for lead back duties.
Spring practice is expected to begin next week, though the official date has yet to be announced.
In his lone season with New Mexico, Lewis rushed for 123 yards in five games as a reserve back before suffering a season-ending foot injury against Wyoming on Sept. 30. He joined the Lobos after rushing for 732 yards and eight touchdowns over three seasons at Coffeyville.
A 5-foot-9, 190-pound prep standout at Cleveland, Lewis was named the 2018 New Mexico Gatorade Player of the Year after rushing for 1,583 yards and 20 touchdowns en route to a class 5A state runner up finish. He held offers out of high school from UNM, Eastern New Mexico, Western New Mexico and New Mexico Highlands.
