Eben Britton

Eben Britton has played both offensive tackle positions and brings an exciting combination of speed, wingspan, strength and field intelligence. Pro scouts are likening his ability to the Cleveland Browns' Joe Thomas. Britton's stellar pass-protection skills saw the team's new spread offense begin to jell during the 2007 season. He teamed with tight end Rob Gronkowski to give the Wildcats a devastating blocking tandem. With Willie Tuitama back under center, the Wildcats coaching staff felt that moving their most talented blocker to left tackle was not only a natural, but assured that their quarterback's blind side wasn't a concern. A highly intelligent athlete, Britton was a Scholar-Athlete Award winner and four-time Honor Roll student at John Burroughs High School. Arizona's Creative Writing major also garnered academic recognition while playing for the Wildcats. He comes from a family blessed with athletes, writers, painters and actors. His mother, Abbie, is a journalist and owner of a personal training business. At John Burroughs High School, Britton was named Foothill League co-Lineman of the Year in 2004. He added Los Angeles Times All-Region San Fernando Valley honors and received votes in the Long Beach Press-Telegram's Best in the West poll. The Super Prep All-American and Prep Star All-West product received a four-star rating and was listed among the nation's elite offensive tackles by Max Emfinger's recruiting service. Britton also attained All-State second-team accolades from Cal-Hi Sports during his senior season. He competed in the Cali-Florida All-Star game in Miami, a game that features the nation's top prep stars. He started at left tackle as a senior and on the right side during his first two years on the varsity. He also lettered in basketball and track, setting school records in the shot put and discus during his two seasons with the track squad. During his freshman season at Arizona, Britton became the first Wildcat and the Pac-10 Conference's first freshman to ever keep his assignment off of the stat sheet in three games, earning Freshman All-American honors in 2006. He made 83 knockdowns with 11 touchdown-resulting blocks, as his blocking consistency grade of 84.5 percent was the second-highest in the conference, topped only by Southern California's center, Ryan Kalil (87.38 percent grade). In 2007, Britton established himself as one of the nation's premier pass protectors, as more than 70 percent of the team's offense generated came from his blocks. He led the nation's right tackles with an 86.58 percent grade for blocking consistency, earning All-American and All-Pac 10 Conference recognition. His 15 touchdown-resulting blocks tied Virginia Tech's Eugene Monroe for most by an active NCAA Division 1-A player. Britton earned All-American honorable mention and All-Pac 10 Conference first-team accolades in 2008. He adjusted quickly to his new left tackle position, coming up with a league-high 111 knockdowns while producing 17 touchdown-resulting blocks, also the best total of any offensive lineman in the Pac-10. He graded 85.69 percent for overall blocking consistency, including five games with marks 90 percent or better.

positives

Rare size and wingspan. Good initial hand punch and can physically control his opponent when he locks on. Cognizant pass blocker who recognizes the blitz and adjusts quickly. Flashes a deep kick-step to force pass rushers wide. Adequate lateral agility to mirror the pass rusher to remain at tackle. Forceful run blocker. Despite his height, can play with leverage in the running game and drive defenders off the line. Only marginal agility in the open field, but can eliminate defenders with intimidating pancake blocks. Leader of the line. Started 37 consecutive games.

negatives

Protected as a pass blocker by the Arizona spread scheme and athleticism of his quarterback. Lacks the elite foot speed of top left tackles and will struggle in pass protection if he lines up at the OLT position in the NFL. Too often allows pass rushers to get their hands into his chest and can be walked back to the quarterback, despite his strength. Lumbers when blocking on the move and will resort to lunging at the defender in open space.

2008: Limited early in August camp with a groin strain (8/09) that forced the coaches to hold him out of several practices...Missed the third quarter of the UCLA game (9/20) with leg cramps and dehydration.

Campus: 4.98 in the 40-yard dash

1.73 10-yard dash

2.87 20-yard dash

4.52 20-yard shuttle

7.58 three-cone drill

31-inch vertical jump

9'5" broad jump

Bench pressed 225 pounds 32 times. Combine: 5.14 in the 40-yard dash

1.75 10-yard dash

2.96 20-yard dash

4.91 20-yard shuttle

7.87 three-cone drill

28 1/2-inch vertical jump

8'4" broad jump

Bench pressed 225 pounds 24 times.

Attended John Burroughs (Ridgecrest, Cal.) High School

Named Foothill League co-Lineman of the Year in 2004

Added Los Angeles Times All-Region San Fernando Valley honors and received votes in the Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West poll

Super Prep All-American and Prep Star All-West product

Received a four-star rating and was listed among the nation's elite offensive tackles by Max Emfinger's recruiting service

All-State second-team pick by Cal-Hi Sports during his senior season, serving as squad captain while earning team MVP honors

Competed in the Cali-Florida All-Star game in Miami, a contest that features the nation's top prep stars

Started at left tackle as a senior and on the right side during his first two years on the varsity

Also lettered in basketball and track, setting school records in the shot put and discus during his two seasons with the track squad

Scholar-Athlete Award winner and four-time Honor Roll student.

Creative Writing major, earning academic honors at Arizona

Son of Abbie and Jeff Britton

Brother, Gus, is a track performer, competing in the jumps

Father played basketball at Jacksonville University

Mother is a Columbia University graduate and a journalist. She owns a personal training business that Eben assists her in training student-athletes

Comes from a family of athletes, actors, writers and painters

Born 10/14/87 in Brooklyn, New York

Resides in Burbank, California.