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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ole Miss Center Chris Spencer Drafted In First Round By Seattle
4/23/2005 | Football
NEW YORK, N.Y.-- Ole Miss center Chris Spencer of Madison, Miss., who decided to bypass his senior season with the Rebels in order to enter the National Football League draft, was rewarded for his decision here Saturday as the Seattle Seahawks made him their first round selection, and the 26th overall pick.
It marked the second straight year for Ole Miss to have a player selected in the first round. Quarterback Eli Manning was the overall No. 1 pick a year ago by San Diego before being traded to the New York Giants for Phillip Rivers. Spencer was also just the fourth center to be chosen in an NFL first round since 1993.
"I'm so excited that I'm almost speechless," said Spencer shortly after being drafted by the Seahawks. "It's been a lifelong dream to play in the NFL and I'm happy that Seattle selected me. They have a veteran offensive line and I'm looking forward to going up there and learning from those guys and contribute anyway I can. Wherever the team feels I fit best is where I want to be. I'm looking forward to getting to the next level and making a big impact."
As for his decision to leave Ole Miss with a year remaining, Spencer said it was a tough decision, but one he felt he had to make.
"Ole Miss, has been a big part of my heart for a long time, and that will never leave," he said. "I was told that I was projected to be a high draft pick if I came out early. It worked out today and I'm grateful to have this opportunity."
Spencer, a 6-3, 309-pounder, played high school football at Madison Central where he was considered one of the top offensive linemen in the nation and the top overall player from Mississippi.
At Ole Miss, Spencer earned three letters as he developed into one of the most versatile offensive linemen to ever play for the Rebels. After being redshirted in 2001, he played guard behind Marcus Johnson in all 13 games in 2002 and was part of the rotation on the offensive line which was second in the Southeastern Conference in the fewest sacks allowed (14).
As a sophomore in 2003, Spencer appeared in all 13 games, drawing six starts at center when he shared time with Justin Sawyer. After Sawyer graduated, Spencer then took over the starting role at center on a full-time basis in 2004.
The selection of Spencer marked the fourth straight year for Ole Miss to have at least one offensive lineman selected in the NFL Draft. Offensive tackle Stacy Andrews was a fourth round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2004, center Ben Claxton was a fifth round selection of the Denver Broncos in 2003, and guard Terrence Metcalf was a third round choice of the Chicago Bears in 2002. Two Rebel offensive linemen were selected in 2000 when tackle Todd Wade was a second round pick of the Miami Dolphins and tackle Tutan Reyes was a fifth round pick of the New Orleans Saints.
Spencer also became the 16th former Ole Miss Rebel to be chosen in the first round. Other first round picks include Parker Hall in 1939, Merle Hapes in 1942, Ed Beatty in 1954, Bobby Crespino in 1961, Jim Dunaway in 1963, Stan Hindman and Mike Dennis in 1966, Archie Manning in 1971, Freddie Joe Nunn in 1985, Tony Bennett in 1990, Kelvin Pritchett in 1991, Tim Bowens in 1994, John Avery in 1998, Deuce McAllister in 2001 and Eli Manning in 2004.
