Elvis Dumervil

Infobox NFLactive

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currentteam=Denver Broncos
currentnumber=92
currentposition=Defensive end
birthdate=birth date and age|1984|1|19
birthplace=Miami, Florida
heightft=5
heightin=11
weight=260
debutyear=2006
debutteam=Denver Broncos
college=Louisville
highlights=
* Bronko Nagurski Trophy (2005)
* Ted Hendricks Award (2005)
draftyear=2006
draftround=4
draftpick=126
pastteams=
* Denver Broncos (2006-present)
nfl=DUM179959

Elvis Dumervil (born January 19, 1984, Miami, Florida) is a National Football League defensive end for the Denver Broncos.

College

Rated among the top 25 defensive ends by most publications, Dumervil had a Miami Jackson High School record 78 career sacks. His college career began slowly as a modest contributor during his first two seasons at the University of Louisville; he tallied just 28 tackles and two sacks. John L. Smith's staff had planned on redshirting him during the 2002 season, but injuries to other players and a lackluster performance by the defensive line forced him into the rotation.

He emerged during the 2004 season as a junior, recording 10 sacks and 11 tackles for a loss. His 2005 season was one of the best for a defensive end in both NCAA and school history, when he broke the NCAA single-game sack record (6) in a game against rival the University of Kentucky, and break the NCAA record for forced fumbles. His sack total also broke the Big East record set by Dwight Freeney, who was a player that Elvis desired to emulate. He won several awards for the 2005 season, including the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Ted Hendricks Award, Big East player of the year, and First-team All-American.

In the 2006 Gator Bowl, Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick stomped on the back of Dumervil's leg after a whistle. While no penalty was called, the backlash from this play (in combination with a misdemeanor charge for driving with a suspended license) led to Vick's permanent dismissal from the Virginia Tech football team.

In college he was known for the "strip-sack" maneuver where he would sometimes strip the ball from ball carriers or quarterbacks.

NFL

Despite his collegiate success and comparisons to Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney, Dumervil was selected on the second day of the NFL draft due to concerns about his small size (5'11", 258lbs), and the fact that he went without a sack in his final three collegiate games. This may have been due to his being consistently doubled teamed, but it was perceived by some as a sign of fatigue. Several teams considered moving him to linebacker or only using him in pass rushing situations.

Dumervil was drafted in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan stated that he planned to keep Dumervil at defensive end. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nfl&id=2557974 ESPN - Broncos' Dumervil out to show he can play defensive line - NFL ] ]

Early in his rookie season, Dumervil saw little playing time. However, his minutes increased as the season progressed and he finished the year with 8.5 sacks in 13 games. In the first game of the 2007 NFL season he would get the first interception of his career. Dumervil would go on to lead the Broncos, and finish among league leaders, with 12.5 sacks in 2007.

His half brother, Curry Burns, also played at the University of Louisville and was later drafted by the Houston Texans in the 2003 NFL Draft.

Records and Rankings

*1st - NCAA single game sack total, 6 vs the University of Kentucky (9-1-05)
*1st - Big East single season sack total
*2nd - University of Louisville career sacks (to Dewayne White)

References