as a redshirt sophomore, lewan was a starting offensive tackle for the wolverines. after failing to draw a penalty in michigan's early games, lewan was praised for becoming a more intelligent player. he was michigan's starting left tackle in the first seven games of the season and was named to phil steele's midseason all-big ten second team. following the 2011 big ten conference football season, he earned second team all-conference recognition. he was an honorable mention all-american selectee by the "pro football weekly".