Ben Grubbs

Infobox NFLactive


currentteam=Baltimore Ravens
currentnumber=66
currentpositionplain=Offensive guard
birthdate=birth date and age|1984|3|10
birthplace=Eclectic, Alabama
heightft=6
heightin=3
weight=315
debutyear=2007
debutteam=Baltimore Ravens
college=Auburn
draftyear=2007
draftround=1
draftpick=29
pastteams=
* Baltimore Ravens (2007-present)
nfl=GRU078787

Benjamin (Ben) Richard Grubbs (born March 10, 1984) is an American football player, born in Eclectic, Alabama. Grubbs was a three-year starter at Auburn University. Following completion of his collegiate eligibility, the Baltimore Ravens drafted Grubbs with their first round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft.

He is nicknamed "Big Hurt" after another Auburn University star and Oakland Athletics slugger, Frank E. Thomas.fact|date=September 2007

High School Career

Ben attended Elmore County High School where he was a standout on the gridiron as the team's star linebacker. Ben registered 150 tackles, six sacks, and an interception as a senior. A two-way star, Ben also played fullback, rushing for 130 yards on 28 carries, with two touchdowns. He also caught seven passes for 50 yards. As a junior, Ben managed 110 total tackles, and an interception. Grubbs also lettered as a four-year starter on the basketball team.

As a senior, he was rated one of the top 10 players in Alabama by SuperPrep Magazine. Ben was a SuperPrep All-American and an Alabama Sports Writer's Class 4A All-State selection as a linebacker. He verbally committed to Auburn on January 23, 2002.

College career

Grubbs arrived on the Plains at Auburn University as an oversized linebacker or undersized defensive end. He was redshirted for the 2002 football season, while he worked with the team's strength and conditioning coach to add muscle to his frame. Ben impressed coaches and fellow teammates with his impeccable work ethic, and was slated to work with as a defensive tackle the following year.

2003Moved from defensive tackle to tight end in two-a-days. Ben played in nine games, including all of the last seven. The final game of that year would be the first of five wins in a row over bitter rival, University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa. During spring drills the following year, he moved from tight end to offensive guard, under the recommendation of Hugh Nall, his famous position coach.

2004Ben started all 13 games during the Auburn Tiger's undefeated and unrewarded 2004 campaign. He finished with a 91% overall grade, with a season-high 98% against the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, including 9 rodeo blocks. He posted 93% overall mark with 2 pancakes and helped the team accumulate 404 total yards against the University of Georgia. Graded 92% with 100% on assignments, including 10 rodeo and 2 pancake blocks against the University of Mississippi. Ben graded 91% or higher in all of the remaining games during the season.

2005Again started all 12 games for the Auburn Tigers. His highlight of the year included playing a total of 74 plays versus University of Georgia, accumulating 97% with five rodeo, two cockroach, and 1.5 pancake blocks. He was an important part of the line that allowed Running Back U's backfield to tally 388 rushing yards against the University of Kentucky.

2006In years prior to 2006 and leading into his final season, Ben was often overshadowed by another offensive guard at Auburn, Tim Duckworth. However, in his final year, Grubbs supplanted Duckworth to make himself Auburn's best offensive lineman and one of the team's most respected players.

During his career at Auburn University, Ben never missed a game and started 37 straight contests. He also completed his final two seasons as a collegian by leading the Southeastern Conference in blocking assignment percentages. During his Auburn career he had the privilege to block for NFL RBs Cadillac Williams, Ronnie Brown, Kenny Irons, and QB Jason Campbell. He also starred alongside the highly regarded left tackle for the San Diego Chargers, Marcus McNeill.

Ben completed his degree from Auburn, graduating with a Bachelor's in Public Administration in May 2006. During the 2006 football season, Ben Grubbs was actually a graduate student.

NFL career

Leading up to the 2007 NFL Draft, Ben Grubbs participated in a series of private workouts, in addition to the NFL combine. He continued to impress scouts and coaches, alike, with his strength, agility, and football IQ.

Ben stats from the NFL combine were impressive, with 29 bench press repetitions of 225 pounds and a 5.18 second 40 yard dash. Those numbers were blown away by the 5.1 second 40 yard dash and the amazing 35 bench press repetitions of 225 pounds, achieved at his private workout for scouts at Auburn University.

Following his performance in those workouts, as well as other workouts for individual teams, and his performance in the 2007 Senior Bowl, Ben was heralded as the top offensive guard prospect in the 2007 NFL Draft by draft expert Mel Kiper. Grubbs also topped NFLDraftScout.com's list of offensive guards. In the end, he was drafted as the first guard taken, with the Baltimore Ravens selecting Grubbs in the first round, as the 29th overall pick. With the release of veteran Keydrick Vincent, it's believed that Grubbs will take his place as a starter.

Personal life

His family includes his mother Deborah, a postal clerk in his hometown of Eclectic, Alabama, and his older brother Cedric. Ben's father died in 1989 of a blood clotting disorder.fact|date=September 2007

Ben is an avid hunter.fact|date=September 2007

External links

* [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=10473 ESPN Player Profile]
* [http://www.baltimoreravens.com/People/Players/Active/Ben_Grubbs.aspx Ravens Player Bio]