Indiana Football: Kellen Lewis's Reinstatement Could Bode Well for Hoosiers

Hoosier football fans can now let out a sigh of relief—their star quarterback will be in uniform this season.

USA Today recently reported that Kellen Lewis—who is not only Indiana's returning starter, but also their leading rusher—will be reinstated to the team and will join the team at camp in August.

Lewis was suspended earlier this year for undisclosed reasons, although IU head coach Bill Lynch said that academics had nothing to do with his suspension.  The only information that the IU athletic department disclosed was that Lewis violated team rules.

Lynch said that he is excited for his starter's return.

"(Lewis) is committed to this football program and is excited to rejoin his teammates.  We are happy to welcome him back," he said in a press release.

Athlon Sports publication College Football 2008 predicted the Hoosiers will be number 10 of 11 in the Big Ten this year.

With the junior's reinstatement, the Hoosiers could be looking at a much brighter season.  Lewis accounted for most of IU's rushing yards last year, putting up 746 yards on the ground last year.

If senior running back Marcus Thigpen can put up the type of numbers he did in the season finale against Purdue every game this season, the duo could be a headache for defenses.

Lewis also put up 3,043 yards through the air last season, almost 700 more than Ohio State's Todd Boeckman, the very player that Athlon Sports predicts to be the top quarterback in the Big Ten this season.

However, Lewis will be without receiver James Hardy, who was taken in the second round of the NFL Draft this year.

In addition, the Hoosiers plan to move to a no-huddle offense this season, which will further put Lewis's speed to good use.