The University of Mississippi Athletics
Three Football Rebs Honored by The Sporting News
12/9/1999 | Football
OXFORD, Miss. -- Three Ole Miss Rebels -- offensive guard Terrence Metcalf, defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy, and center Ben Claxton -- have picked up various post-season All-America honors from The Sporting News.
Metcalf, a 6-3, 300 pound sophomore from Clarksdale, Miss., was named second team All-America, while Clancy, a 6-2, 270 pound senior from Tuscaloosa, Ala., was selected third team All-America by the national publication.
Claxton, a 6-4, 290 pound redshirt freshman from Dublin, Ga., was chosen to The Sporting News freshman All-America first team.
"These three young men made valuable contributions to the success of our football team in 1999," said Ole Miss head coach David Cutcliffe. "Not only are these honors a tribute to them, but also to our entire football team."
After suffering what could have been a career ending ankle injury early in the 1998 season, Metcalf bounced back in 1999 to start all 11 games at left guard. His steady play helped the Rebels rush for 182.5 yards per game to rank second in the Southeastern Conference. The offensive line allowed only 16 quarterback sacks, which also ranked second in the SEC.
Clancy, who has been selected to play in the 2000 Senior Bowl, appeared in all 11 games despite having his playing time limited in three games due to a severely sprained ankle. He had 49 tackles, led the team in QB sacks with seven, and also recorded a team-high 18 tackles for loss for a minus 74 yards.
Claxton, who was redshirted as a true freshman in 1998, started all 11 games this season after winning the starting nod during pre-season drills. An excellent run blocker, Claxton helped the Ole Miss offense produce a 100-yard rusher in eight games.