Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Ben Cleveland has declared for the 2021 NFL Draft and is opting out of the Peach Bowl against Cincinnati. Cleveland is a senior, so he had the option to stay in Athens for yet another year.
Ben Cleveland, who attended Stephens County High School, started at offensive guard for Georgia this season. Now, he’ll likely be replaced by Warren Ericson. The Peach Bowl will give Georgia fans an opportunity to see what the offensive line will look like in the future.
Last season, both Isaiah Wilson and Andrew Thomas opted out of the Sugar Bowl against Baylor. The duo ended up as first round picks in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Ben Cleveland dominated as a run blocker this season. He’s one of the strongest players to ever come through the University of Georgia football program and will be a treat to watch in the NFL and at the NFL Combine (look for him to put up freak numbers there).
Ben Cleveland thanked Georgia Bulldogs fans, his coaches, and his teammates in a message via his Twitter account:
Thank you, Athens ❤️ pic.twitter.com/p1OGID3CdJ
— Big Country (@BenCleveland74) December 29, 2020
Georgia Bulldog fans should be grateful for all the years Ben Cleveland spent in Athens from 2016-2020. Cleveland made an immediate impact as a freshman and played in every game during Georgia’s SEC Championship season in 2017.
Ben Cleveland is set to be among the numerous Georgia football participants in the 2021 Senior Bowl.
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