San Lorenzo Valley High alumni and NFL lineman Andy Levitre caught up with me this weekend in a phone interview.
Levitre was a two way all-Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League lineman from SLV and a crucial part of the 2003 perfect season that ended in a 42-0 blow out of Burlingame High School in the Central Coast Section championships.
Levitre redshirted his freshman year of college at Oregon State University before taking over starting duties on the line. He started for the next four years for the Beavers while playing every position on the line, except center.
Levitre was drafted 51st overall by the Buffalo Bills in 2009 as the first offensive guard selected.
In 2010, Levitre was named to the 2009 NFL All-Rookie team.
At 6-3, 305 pounds, Levitre is a dominating presence with a gentle demeanor; often highlighting his off field-work with outreach programs and other charities.
Nathan Beck: With the NFL lockout still in full effect are you chomping at the bit to get back to work?
Andy Levitre: I am trying to keep in shape and doing my workouts four days a week. I really want to be ready when they finally do give us that phone call.
NB: Are the negotiations doing the players as much service as they were hoping?
AL: There is really a bunch of things on the table here, I think we might come out of this thing better than we expected, but the pieces all have to fit first I think.
NB: Meanwhile are you keeping busy?
AL: Yeah. There is always stuff to do when I come back home. This Monday I am flying up to Oregon State for a players and coaches golf tournament.
NB: What was it like playing alongside (former Los Gatos High and Buffalo Bills quarterback) Trent Edwards?
AL: Trent was a great guy, it was fun being teammates with someone you have something in common with. (Edwards led Los Gatos to a 42-0 victory over SLV in 2002.)
NB: Is Buffalo planning on keeping you at left guard or will you see play time at other positions again?
AL: The plan is to keep me at guard, but the Bills have used me at tackle and even center last season, so we will see where I am needed.
n Press-Banner sports writer Nathan Beck profiles accomplished athlretes from the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley. Know someone he should talk to? E-mail him at
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