Move over Charles Woodson.

Jourdan Lewis’s one-handed acrobatic interception may be the greatest in college history.

The Michigan defensive back sealed the win for No 4. Michigan during a hard earned victory over No. 8 Wisconsin this past Saturday. The contest highlighted two solid defensive squads that produced total of three scores combined.

The game was still in the balance when Badgers quarterback Alex Hornibrook heaved a pass down field with 2:15 remaining in the game.

Prior to the snap, Lewis was in press coverage against Wisconsin wide receiver George Rushing. The speedy Rushing appeared to have a step on Lewis in real time when the ball was lofted in to the air.

However, Lewis was able to close the distance and ensure the pass was not completed.

The astounding catch overshadowed the highly effective coverage skills that Lewis displayed prior to his interception. Even in press coverage, Lewis demonstrated adept footwork while staying on the receiver’s hip throughout the go route.

Wisely, the Badgers did not test Lewis during the game very often. Wisconsin only threw in his direction four times with dreadful results: two completions for eight yards, one pass breakup and one game-sealing interception.

“That was on another level, I think…That is a guy that is gonna be playing on Sundays for a long time,” Michigan quarterback Wilton Speight told ESPN.

He would know considering he practices against him every day.

The key to this play is Lewis’s footwork, which allows him to close the distance at the apex of the route and make the interception. After his footwork puts him in a position to make the play, Lewis gets his head around in time to see the ball.

The purpose of this drill is to teach defensive backs the footwork associated with pass drop responsibility, which are the same techniques that Lewis utilized to make his unbelievable interception.

Drill Setup

Place two defensive backs facing a coach with approximately three yards distance between each respective player and the coach.

The most effective setup utilizes the chalk lines on the field. Position the coach/quarterback on the sideline standing perpendicular to the chalk line. Place the two defensive backs directly across from the coach/quarterback with a chalked yard line between them.

Make sure the defensive backs have approximately three yards between the coach and each other prior to the whistle so they have room to freely maneuver throughout the drill without bumping into each other.

Using the chalked yard line between the players allows the defensive back to ensure a straight backpedal followed by a sharp turn and run.

On the coach’s whistle (or movement), the defensive backs shuffle their feet and take an abbreviated drop to clear the first three steps.

Once the first three steps have been completed, the players will transition into their straight backpedal. Make sure players keep their hips low and elongate their stride.

Once the players reach the assigned depth and diagnose a deep pass threat, they will flip their hips open and sprint downfield.

On the opposing sideline, a second player or coach will throw a ball to each respective player during their sprint so players can work on ball hawking skills while in full sprint.

For defensive backs that do not backpedal immediately upon the snap of the ball, the same drill can be re-worked to drill the ‘hover technique’, which usually applies to safeties covering tight ends.

On the coach’s whistle (or movement), the defensive backs will bounce their heels on the ground without gaining ground. This ensures their feet are quickly and constantly moving as they read the tight end’s release in order to play aggressive coverage. 

Photo courtesy of Panthers.com