Ben Grubbs

One of the most unheralded players in the collegiate ranks, Grubbs has that old school mauler's mentality combined with the new school athleticism that saw him become even more dominant during his senior year, filling the leadership void on the Auburn front wall. Not since the days of Alan Faneca (1995-97) at Louisiana State has a Southeastern Conference offensive guard displayed that perfect blend of power, intensity and athletic ability that Grubbs brings to the field each week. Originally recruited as a defensive lineman, he moved to tight end during his redshirt freshman year before becoming a dominant force at the demanding left offensive guard position for the Tigers during his last 32 games. Playing a variety of positions is nothing new for Grubbs. At Elmore County High School, he competed as an offensive lineman, linebacker and fullback during his four-year career as a starter. Super Prep rated Grubbs one of the state of Alabama's top 10 prospects, according him All-American honors. He was a Class 4A All-State selection as an offensive lineman by the Alabama Sports Writers Association, adding All-County and All-Metro accolades as an outside linebacker. The Prep Star All-Region choice registered 150 tackles and six sacks while also coming up with an interception as a senior. He rushed for 130 yards on 28 carries, scoring twice, and caught seven passes for 50 yards that year. As a junior, Grubbs posted 110 tackles, four sacks and an interception. He also lettered four times on the basketball team as a forward. Grubbs redshirted during the 2002 season at Auburn University, competing on the scout team as a 251-pound defensive tackle. He appeared in eight games during 2003 as a 281-pound blocking tight end, but did not have any receptions. Grubbs continued to fill out his impressive frame, as he again shifted positions, taking over left offensive guard duties as a 289-pound sophomore in 2004. He started every game, producing 76 key blocks, including 16 that resulted in touchdowns, and finished his first year as a full-time starter with a 90.38 percent grade for blocking consistency. He extended his string of consecutive starts to 25 in 2005. Grubbs teamed with tackle Marcus McNeill to form one of the best left-side blocking tandems in the collegiate ranks. He registered 64 key blocks, including 22 that produced touchdowns for the Tigers. For the season, Grubbs averaged 89.67 percent for blocking consistency. With McNeill and five other starters having graduated, the young Tigers' team looked to Grubbs to fill the leadership void in 2006. He simply dominated the action in the trenches through the first seven games of his final season. Through 397 plays, Ben collected 45 key blocks, including 10 that resulted in Auburn touchdowns.

positives

Grubbs demonstrates very good toughness and works until the whistle to finish off blocks. He has a solid hand punch and very good explosion on contact. He is quick to get out in front on pulls and traps and does a nice job of locating second level defenders on the move. He has shown marked improvement sliding his feet, but needs to be conscious of not getting too narrow in his base or high in his stance, as he lacks the loose hips to redirect instantly. His hand punch can shock a lethargic opponent and he does a fine job of picking up stunts and games.

negatives

He will sometimes fall off blocks late when he fails to bend at the knees, but has the body control to recover. ... When he fails to sink his hips, Ben will overextend a bit, but he is quick to recoil and get back on his assignment. ... When he gets too narrow in his stance, he will lose his base at the X's. ... He does have some inconsistency finishing blocks in the past, but Ben shows great pop on contact and is learning to keep his base wider in order to prevent the defender from shedding. ... When he gets too high in his stance, he can be walked back.

Has never suffered an injury or missed games, but does suffer from some allergies.

Campus: 5.16 in the 40-yard dash

4.51 in the 20-yard shuttle

7.69 three-cone drill

430-pound bench press

363-pound power clean

30-inchvertical jump

8'9" broad jump

32 3/4-inch arm length

10 1/4-inch hands

Left-handed

18/28 Wonderlic score.

Attended Elmore County (Eclectic, Ala.) High School, playing football for head coach Travis Pearson

During his stellar career, he competed as an offensive lineman, linebacker and fullback, starting each of his four varsity seasons

Super Prep rated Ben one of the state of Alabama's top 10 prospects, according him All-American honors

Class 4A All-State selection as an offensive lineman by the Alabama Sports Writers Association, adding All-County and All-Metro accolades as an outside linebacker

The Prep Star All-Region selection registered 150 tackles and six sacks while also coming up with an interception as a senior

Also rushed for 130 yards on 28 carries, scoring twice, and caught seven passes for 50 yards that year

As a junior, Grubbs posted 110 tackles, four sacks and an interception

Lettered four times on the basketball team as a forward.

Graduated in May, 2006 with a degree in Business

Younger of two sons (brother, Cedric) of Deborah Grubbs

Born Benjamin Richard Grubbs on 3/10/84

Resides in Eclectic, Alabama.