University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) Rebels Football Players Taken in 2010 NFL Draft – 4 Selected

The University of Mississippi (commonly referred to as Ole Miss) Rebels had four football players taken in the 2010 NFL Draft that was held in April in New York City. Ole Miss competes in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) where a total of 49 players came from in the 2010 NFL Draft. Out of 255 total players selected those 49 men represent over 19% of the total group.

The four Rebels players are:

• Dexter McCluster
• John Jerry
• Kendrick Lewis
• Greg Hardy

Dexter McCluster became the first of the four Ole Miss players selected when he was taken by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round with the number 36 overall pick. At 5’8″ and 172 pounds Dexter is known as a scat back and has drawn comparisons to Darren Sproles and Percy Harvin.

Dexter grew up in Largo, Florida and in high school was an honor roll student in addition to being a three sport star (football, basketball, and track). Dexter excelled the most at football while attending Largo High School and after receiving accolades that included first team all-state and all-sun coast player of the year decided to accept an athletic scholarship to Ole Miss. Of particular note with regards to the collegiate career of McCluster is the fact that he concluded both his junior and senior seasons by being named the offensive MVP of the Cotton Bowl.

John Jerry was the second Ole Miss player taken in the 2010 NFL Draft. Jerry went in the third round to the Miami Dolphins who selected him with the 73rd overall pick. As a 6’5″ 328 pound offensive tackle the Dolphins are optimistic that John will provide support on their offensive line for former number one overall pick Jake Long who after being selected first in the 2008 NFL Draft has already been named to two pro bowls in as many seasons.

Kendrick Lewis, a safety, will be reunited with Ole Miss teammate Dexter McCluster in Kansas City because Lewis was taken by the Chiefs three rounds after they selected Dexter. With the 136th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft Kansas City chose Kendrick Lewis to join fellow rookie secondary player Eric Berry on their defense.

Greg Hardy was the fourth and final Ole Miss player to be taken in the 2010 NFL Draft. Hardy, a defensive end, was grabbed by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round with the 175th overall pick. Hardy actually played high school football at Briarcrest Christian High School with Michael Oher, 2009 NFL Draft pick out of Ole Miss, who is now well known as the inspiration for the movie The Blind Side.

write by Jason Wyman