Football | May 14, 2019

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan football team and head coach Tim Lester have announced incoming graduate transfers Kareem Ali, Tim Collins and Cortez Lewis.

"Each year we are very selective with regards to recent college graduates that are interested in pursuing a masters degree at WMU while also finishing their playing career," said Lester. "Kareem, Tim and Cortez all fit the profile of what we are looking for - mature young men that we believe will bring experience and maturity to our locker room. We are excited to have them in Kalamazoo and part of the Bronco Family!'

Ali, a 6-foot, 180-pound defensive back, comes to WMU after graduating from Temple. The Pennsauken, N.J., native played two seasons with the Owls after redshirting in 2015. He played in a career-high four games during the 2016 season. Ali was a four-star recruit and played in the 2015 US Army All-American game, but battled injuries throughout his career with Temple.  

Collins, a 6-foot-5, 250-pound defensive lineman that can play both interior and on the ends, joins the Broncos after four seasons at Tennessee Tech. The Birmingham, Ala., native played in 35 career games with the Golden Eagles, including all 11 2016 and 2017. His most productive season came in 2017 when he had 51 total tackles, including five for loss and a forced fumble. He finished his career with 136 tackles, seven sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss.

Lewis, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound wide receiver, comes to Western Michigan after graduating from Wake Forest. Lewis played in three seasons with the Demon Deacons. He played in 35 career games, making 88 receptions for 1,158 yards and five touchdowns. During the 2015 season he had 47 receptions for 611 yards and four touchdowns, all career-bests.