April 23, 2010
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt cornerback Myron Lewis was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the National Football League Draft.
Lewis, from Pompano Beach, Fla., becomes the highest former Commodore defensive back taken in the draft since Fred Vinson was taken by the Green Bay Packers in the second round in 1999.
Lewis was named to second team All-Southeastern Conference by both league coaches and Associated Press sportwriters as a senior.
In 2009, Lewis’ late interceptions sealed two of Vanderbilt’s biggest victories in recent memory: an early-season home win over Auburn and a triumph over Boston College in the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl with late interceptions.
Regarded as a 2009 preseason Jim Thorpe Award candidate, Lewis finished the season with four interceptions, 41 total tackles and a team-high 12 defensed passes. He concluded his career ranking among the Commodore all-time leaders with 10 interceptions.
Lewis also started 36 consecutive games in the Commodore secondary.
Lewis becomes the second Commodore defensive back in as many years taken in the draft. Last year, versatile D.J. Moore was taken by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round.
Lewis is the first Commodore selected by Tampa Bay since linebacker Jamie Duncan was selected in the third round in 1998.
