2015 DETROIT LIONS MEDIA GUIDE

DETROIT LIONS
60- BRAXSTON CAVE
Center
Notre Dame
Mishawaka, Ind. Ht: 6-3 Wt: 298
Year: 1 Born: 7/29/89
Draft: FA-Cle ‘13 Acquired: FA ‘15
TRANSACTIONS
‣ ¾ Signed by the Detroit Lions to a Reserve/Future contract on
January 6, 2015.
‣ ¾ Signed by the Browns to the practice squad on October 8, 2014.
‣ ¾ Released by the Redskins on September 23, 2014.
‣ ¾ Signed by the Washington Redskins to the practice squad on
September 2, 2014.
‣ ¾ Released by the Patriots on August 30, 2014.
‣ ¾ Re-signed by the Patriots on January 20, 2014.
‣ ¾ Signed by the Patriots to the practice squad on September
7, 2013.
‣ ¾ Released by the Patriots on September 5, 2013.
‣ ¾ Acquired by the New England Patriots via waivers from the
Browns on September 1, 2013.
‣ ¾ Released by the Browns on August 30, 2013.
‣ ¾ Signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted rookie free
agent on April 30, 2013.
PRO
First-year center who comes to the Lions after stints with the
Patriots and Redskins practice squads. Entered the NFL as an
undrafted rookie free agent out of Notre Dame in 2013 with the
Cleveland Browns.
2014: Began the season as a member of the Redskins practice squad
before joining the Browns practice squad on October 8.
2013: Started the season with Cleveland but was released prior to
the first week of the regular season. Signed by the Patriots to the
practice squad where he spent his rookie season.
COLLEGE
Became a full-time starter in 2010 for the Fighting Irish after
redshirting in 2008 and seeing limited action in 2009. Finished his
career at Notre Dame by playing in 48 games (35 starts).
‣ ¾ Named a Third Team All-American by the Associated Press
during his final season in 2012.
‣ ¾ Part of an offensive line that helped the Irish average more than
200 yards per game in both rushing and receiving during the 2012
season en route to the team’s appearance in the BCS National
Championship Game.
PERSONAL
Attended Penn (Ind.) High School where he helped guide his school
to an undefeated regular season in his senior season and a final
record of 12-1.
‣ ¾ A two-sport athlete, also competing in track and participating
in the shot put.
95 - BRANDON COPELAND
Linebacker
Pennsylvania
Sykesville, Md. Ht: 6-3 Wt: 248
Year: 1 Born: 7/2/91
Draft: FA-Bal ‘13 Acquired: FA ’15
TRANSACTIONS
‣ ¾ Signed by the Detroit Lions as a free agent to a one-year contract
on April 7, 2015.
‣ ¾ Released by the Titans on September 16, 2014.
‣ ¾ Signed by the Titans to the practice squad on August 31, 2014.
‣ ¾ Released by the Titans on August 30, 2014.
‣ ¾ Signed by the Titans to a Reserve/Future contract on December
31, 2013.
‣ ¾ Released by the Titans on November 5, 2013. Re-signed by the
Titans to the practice squad on November 12, 2013.
‣ ¾ Signed by the Tennessee Titans to the practice squad on
October 8, 2013.
‣ ¾ Released by the Ravens on September 25, 2013.
‣ ¾ Signed by the Ravens to the practice squad on September
1, 2013.
‣ ¾ Released by the Ravens on August 30, 2013.
‣ ¾ Signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted rookie free
agent on May 3, 2013.
PRO
Originally signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted rookie free
agent out of Pennsylvania in 2013, Copeland joined the Tennessee
Titans practice squad in 2013 and 2014. His impressive performance
at the 2015 NFL Veteran Combine earned him a one-year contract
with the Lions this season as he is expected to provide versatility
as a linebacker and special teams contributor.
2014: Signed by the Titans to a Reserve/Future contract following
the 2013 season and spent the beginning of 2014 as a member of
the Titans practice squad before being released by the team on
September 16.
2013: Joined the Baltimore Ravens practice squad as an undrafted
rookie free agent out of Pennsylvania before being signed by the
Titans to the practice squad in October where he spent the majority
of the 2013 season.
COLLEGE
Was a three-time Ivy League champion at Pennsylvania. Finished
his collegiate career playing in 39 games with 30 straight starts and
tallied 160 tackles, 11 sacks for 70 yards, 26.5 tackles for loss, an
interception, four pass defenses, two forced fumbles, two fumble
recoveries, a blocked kick, a safety and a touchdown. Earned First
Team All-Ivy League three times (2010-12).
2012: Capped off his collegiate career in 2012, earning First Team
All-Ivy League by tallying 51 tackles. Led the team and finished
seventh in the league with five sacks for 23 yards and recorded
8.5 tackles for loss, ranking second on the team. Placed third in
the league with two fumble recoveries and posted five or more
tackles in six contests.
‣ ¾ As a senior was awarded Ivy League Co-Defensive Player of the
Week honors and NCAA National Defensive Player of the Week
following his performance in a win against Harvard, where he
helped clinch the Ivy League with his first safety and a careerhigh
two sacks.
PERSONAL
Prepped at Gilman (Md.) School where he was a three-sport athlete
in football, basketball and track. Was awarded the 2008 National
Football Foundation Scholar Athlete of the Year award and was a
2008 Academic All-State team honoree.
‣ ¾ Participated in Maryland Crab Bowl and the Baltimore
Touchdown Club All-Star games in 2008 and was a member of
the 2006 MIAAA Conference championship squad.
‣ ¾ Nominated for the Army All-American game and earned All-
Baltimore City honors.
PLAYER PROFILES