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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ole Miss Center Ben Claxton Selected By Broncos In NFL Draft
4/27/2003 | Football
April 27, 2003
OXFORD, Miss. - Ole Miss center Ben Claxton was selected by Denver in the fifth round of Sunday's National Football League draft as the Broncos made him the 157th overall pick.
Claxton, a 6-2, 301 pounder from Dublin, Ga., was the only player selected from Ole Miss, but a number of Rebels are expected to sign free-agent contracts in the next few weeks.
"I'm excited about being drafted by Denver," said Claxton late Sunday afternoon. "I've watched the Broncos on TV all these years and have a lot of respect for what Coach (Mike) Shanahan is doing with the team. I'm looking forward to getting a chance to earn a spot. Denver is an ideal setting for me."
During his four years at Ole Miss, Claxton made 37 career starts at center and earned second team All-Southeastern Conference honors as a junior and senior. He played in the 2003 Senior Bowl and received the Sportsmanship Award. He was a Freshman All-America pick in 1999.
"I'm really happy for Ben and his family," Ole Miss head coach David Cutcliffe said. "I know how important being drafted was for him. Denver has gotten an outstanding player and person who was a four-year starter for us."
As a senior, Claxton was a permanent team captain and played in all 13 games, starting 12 at center. The only game he didn't start was at Texas Tech after suffering an injury against Memphis.
Claxton anchored an offensive line that has allowed the fewest sacks in the SEC since 1999 with 50. The Rebels finished second in the SEC for the fewest sacks allowed in 2002 with 16. With 351 points scored by Ole Miss last season, Claxton helped Cutcliffe's Rebels top the 300-point mark three straight seasons for the first time in school history.
Ole Miss has had a number of former players who played for the Broncos, including running back John Avery (1999), linebacker Buddy Alliston (1960), wide receiver Willie Green (1997-98), kicker Steve Lindsey (2000), linebacker Tommy Luke (1968), linebacker Pete Mangum (1960), linebacker Jackie Simpson (1961), defensive tackle Andre Townsend (1984-90), guard Robert Vaughan (1968), linebacker Nate Wayne (1998-99), quarterback Norris Weese (1976-79), and defensive end Billy Yelverton (1960).
