Ben Jones (offensive lineman)

Ben Jones (born July 2, 1989) is an American football center for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

High school career

A native of Centreville, Alabama, Jones attended Bibb County High School, where he was a two-way lineman and team captain. He paved the way for running back Zac Stacy, who rushed for 1,666 yards and 24 TDs. Regarded as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, Jones was listed as the No. 7 center prospect in his class. Despite living only an hour away from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Jones grew up a Georgia Bulldogs fan.

College career

Jones became the Bulldogs starting center three games into his freshman season (at No. 24 Arizona State), after Chris Davis was moved to left guard. The centerpiece of a young offensive line, Jones helped protect quarterback Matthew Stafford, who threw for 3,459 yards (second most in school history) and 25 touchdowns (single-season record), while also clearing the way for running back Knowshon Moreno (1,400 rushing yards).

As a senior in 2011, Jones was named an All-American by ESPN.

Professional career

2012 NFL Draft

Jones was considered one of the top center prospects for the 2012 NFL Draft. Sports Illustrated ranked him second among center prospects, behind only Peter Konz. Jones was drafted in the fourth round by the Houston Texans. He was one of only three centers selected, besides Konz and David Molk.

Houston Texans

Jones was expected to backup Pro Bowl center Chris Myers while also seeing time at guard. Starting in Week 7 of the 2012 NFL season, against the Baltimore Ravens, Jones became the starting right guard for the Texans.

Tennessee Titans

Jones signed a four-year deal with the Tennessee Titans on March 9, 2016.