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NEW MEXICO: A talented athlete who made the switch from cornerback to safety in 2013 … an instinctive player who brings a wealth of experience to the secondary as a senior in 2014 … has excellent ball skills … working on consistency to increase his playing time … has the ability to play both nickel and cornerback … went through the entire season for the first time in his career in 2013 … playing time in 2012 was limited because of injuries … played six games in 2011 before being sidelined by injuries … a versatile talent who enrolled at UNM in January of 2011…did not play football in 2010 … name is pronounced de-VON-tay ta-BAN-a.
2013 (JUNIOR): Appeared in all 12 games with one start against Fresno State … finished with a career-high 25 tackles … had a career-high seven tackle during his start against the Bulldogs … had six tackles against New Mexico State … also a solid contributor on the Lobo special teams.
2012 (SOPHOMORE): Played in four games … finished with five tackles, including one for loss … also had a fumble recovery.
2011 (TRUE FRESHMAN): Played six games with three starts before missing the last five games with knee and ankle injuries…made 13 tackles on the season … had a career-high seven tackles against Texas Tech in week three in a reserve role.
HIGH SCHOOL: Defensive back, running back, quarterback, receiver, and he returned kicks and punts for head coach Chris Davidson in the fall of 2009 … three-year starter and was named to the all-Prince George’s County first team defense and Big School All-State second team defense as a senior … missed a few games with a knee injury, but finished with four interceptions along with 639 yards passing and 323 rushing in 2009, helping Potomac (6-5) advance to the class 3A playoffs … accounted for 62 percent of the Wolverines’ offense as a junior, accumulating 1,441 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns … also had 6 pass break-ups in 2008 … standout sprinter for the track team, winning the PG County 55-meter title in 2008 … reportedly timed at 4.41 in the 40 … defensive back MVP at the Nike Virginia Camp in the summer of 2009 … participated in the 2009 Maryland Crab Bowl all-star game … named to the school Honor Roll.
PERSONAL: Born March 21, 1992, in Washington, D.C. … Full name is Devonta Desmond Tabannah … son of Vaughn Patterson and Sherrondia Washington … has an older brother, Deangelo, and younger sister, Devyne … majoring in university studies.