DeAndre Levy life and biography

* Drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round (76th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft.

PRO: Tough, young linebacker whose speed and physical play is an asset for the Lions’ defense. Competing for starting middle linebacker position in 2010 after playing outside as a rookie. Emerged as one of the league’s top rookie linebackers in 2009.

* Has played in 23 career games (17 starts), and has recorded 117 tackles (84 solo) and six special teams tackles thus far in his career.
* Became a regular starter for the team’s linebacker corps mid-way through his rookie season.
* He will be looking to solidify the Lions’ starting middle linebacker position in 2010.

2010: Team’s starting middle linebacker.
* Was inactive for the season opener at Chicago (9/12) and vs. Philadelphia (9/19) due to a groin injury.
* Returned to the starting line-up at Minnesota (9/26), recording 2 solo stops.
* Inactive at Green Bay (10/3), vs. St. Louis (10/10) and at the New York Giants (10/17) due to a groin injury.
* Returned to starting lineup against Washington (10/31) after being out three weeks due to a groin injury. Recorded four tackles (4 solo).
* Recorded six tackles (3 solo) at Buffalo (11/14). Had one forced fumble.
* Led team with six solo (7 total) tackles at Dallas (11/21). Fumble recovery near end of second half to set up Nate Burleson touchdown catch from Shaun Hill.
* Recorded six tackles (2 solo) against Chicago (12/5).

2009: Played in all 16 games and started in 10. According to NFL.com rankings, he ranked third among rookie linebackers with 85 tackles (including special teams tackles) and tied for fourth among all rookies.
* Made eight tackles (seven solo) at Chicago (10/4) and forced a fumble.
* Garnered four tackles (four solo) vs. Pittsburgh (10/11).
* Recorded first-career interception at Green Bay (10/18) and seven tackles (five solo).
* Tied his career-high with eight tackles (4 solo) vs. Cleveland (11/22).
* Tallied eight tackles (five solo) vs. Green Bay (11/26).
* Made seven stops (four solo) including one behind the line of scrimmage at Cincinnati (12/6).
* Posted a team-best eight tackles (five solo), tying his career-high while also recording a pass defensed at San Francisco (12/27).
* Set a career-high with 12 tackles (eight solo) vs. Chicago (1/3) including one tackle-for-loss.

COLLEGE:
The defense's sparkplug from the strong-side linebacker position at Wisconsin, Levy provided the Badgers with a quality blitzer with the quickness to easily cover receivers on deep routes. As a senior in 2008, Levy started in all 13 games at strong side linebacker and ranked second on the team with 73 tackles (28 solo) and five sack for minus 41 yards. In 21 of his last 39 games, he registered at least one tackle behind the line of scrimmage or a sack. Creating turnovers became his specialty, as he blocked one kick, intercepted two passes, caused six fumbles and registered six fumble recoveries during his time in the starting lineup. Levy closed out his career with 211 tackles (116 solo), 15.0 sacks for minus 105 yards, 28.0 stops for losses totaling 155 yards and 10 QB pressures. Also caused six fumbles and recovered six others, returning one 45 yards, deflected seven passes, intercepted two others and also blocked a kick.

2008: Started all 13 games at strong-side linebacker. Ranked second on the team with 73 tackles (28 solos), collecting five sacks for minus 41 yards, 9.5 stops for losses of 51 yards and one quarterback pressure. Also recovered two fumbles, advancing one 45 yards to set up a Badgers scoring drive. Gained one yard on an INT return and deflected three other passes. Part of a defense that allowed the opponent to gain an average of 329.08 yards per game in total offense.
* All-Big Ten Conference honorable mention by the league's coaches and media.
* Recipient of the Tom Wiesner Award, given to a senior football player who most exemplifies the leadership and courage that Tom Wiesner displayed throughout his life.

2007: Levy started all 13 games at strong-side linebacker. Finished second on the team with 70 tackles (49 solos) and placed third on the Badgers with 10 stops for losses of 53 yards. Credited with three sacks for minus 19 yards and two quarterback pressures. Caused two fumbles, recovered two others and deflected a pair of passes.
* Earned Big Ten Conference Player of the Week honors vs. Indiana and team Player of the Game accolades in the Penn State and Northern Illinois clashes.
* Earned All-MAC second-team honors.

2006: Took over strong-side linebacker chores, ranking fourth on the team with 50 tackles (26 solos), including a career-high six sacks for minus 38 yards, leading the squad in that category. Accounted for7.5 stops for losses totaling 44 yards and made seven pressures. Caused and recovered a pair of fumbles. Deflected two passes and intercepted another.
* Earned Academic All-Big Ten Conference honors.
* Named the team's Player of the Game vs. Western Illinois.
* Also blocked a kick. Helped the Badgers rank fifth in the nation in total defense (253.08 ypg) and second in scoring defense (12.08 ppg).

2005: Played in 11 games as a true freshman. Listed as a reserve at strong-side linebacker, but made his most impact on special teams. Finished with 18 tackles (13 solos), a 7 -yard sack, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Vincent (Milwaukee, Wisc.) High School, playing football for head coach Elliot Lightfoot.

* Midwest Top 100 selection by Super Prep during his senior year.
* The two-time All-Conference selection added All-State first-team honors as a senior.
* Served as team captain in each of his last three seasons, twice earning squad Most Valuable Player honors.
* In his final season, the linebacker recorded 84 tackles, including 21 stops behind the line of scrimmage, along with five quarterback sacks and four forced fumbles.
* Also saw action on offense that year, catching 12 passes for 260 yards and three touch-downs. Added letters in basketball and track.

PERSONAL:
* Sociology major.
* Son of Paula and Rodney Levy.
* Born March 26, 1987.
* Resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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