Levi Brown realizes his football career at Temple University is winding down in his senior season on and off the field, but he doesn't have any regrets along the way after a stellar career at Liberty High School. Instead, Brown has certainly made the most of his career since he first made the trip down the Pennsylvania Turnpike to North Philadelphia five years ago as a redshirt freshman.

The Owl's nose tackle and captain entered this season with 20 starts in 34 overall games and recorded 27 tackles last season. He is also wearing number nine this season, a tribute from head coach Matt Rhule who handed out numbers one through nine in recognition of how tough a player one can be.

Through his team's first two games this season, Brown has five solo tackles and two assisted tackles during a visit to South Bend to tangle with Notre Dame and the home opener against Houston. Unfortunately, Temple dropped both games.

"It was exciting going to Notre Dame," said Brown, a 6-2, 300-pound tackle. "It was a great experience to play a team that was in the national championship game last year and one that has such a great tradition as Notre Dame.

"We didn't have the outcome we wanted, but everyone has been working hard."

Hard work and dedication have been trademarks of Brown's career.

"Levi is a real leader on this team," said head coach Matt Rhule. "He proved that he is the toughest guy on this team and he is always putting his team first above any individual honors. He is a guy we can depend on."

Dispelling any honors, Brown is proud to wear number nine.

"That was a great honor for me," he said. "I was really excited to be chosen especially in my senior year. I know I have to make the most of my opportunities this year and it has been a great ride here."

Brown also is proud that he graduated in the spring with a degree in criminal justice.

"That's something I wanted to do, so I could just concentrate on football," he said. "This year, coach wants us to be more physical. I knew I had to work on my strength and speed and really worked to increase my strength. Last year, I had an ankle injury that was a struggle, but I took enough time off to get back.

"I also wanted to work on my technique and not to have to think about things too much. For me, it is just about making contact and quickly getting past my opponent."

Despite plenty of transitions in the program, Brown has been satisfied with the mixed feelings about the program after playing in three state championship games at Liberty. In fact, he has played for three different head coaches over the past three years.

"I'm really excited about this year and what we could do," Brown said. "This has worked out for me over the years and I have been happy here. We have had some limited success here and we did play in a bowl game in 2011."

Despite having a degree, Brown has his sights set of fulfilling his lifetime dream of playing in the NFL.

"Ever since I was eighth, my goal has been to play in the NFL," said Brown. "I have my degree, but I'm not thinking about a career next year. I want to keep playing football this year and next."

If he can make the most of his current opportunity, Brown won't have any other regrets about his next move.