Clayborn Selected by Tampa Bay

April 28, 2011

Clayborn Drafted in the First Round

• 2011 NFL Draft page
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• 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
• gohawks.com
• Goin’ for the Gold: Hawkeye Trials Site

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa defensive end Adrian Clayborn was selected by Tampa Bay with the 20th pick of the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday.

The Hawkeyes have had five Kirk Ferentz-coached players chosen in the first round since 2003.

Clayborn, a consensus All-American, registered 52 tackles last season, including seven for a loss. He had six quarterback hurries and 3 ½ sacks. Clayborn is the first Hawkeye defensive lineman drafted since Kenny Iwebema was taken by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2008 draft.

“It was a long wait but I’m glad they picked me,” Clayborn said. “I can’t wait to be a Buc.”

Tampa Bay finished 10-6 last season, placing third in the NFC South. The Buccaneers were 17th in the NFL in total defense (332.7 yards per game), 23rd in sacks (30) and 28th against the run (131.7 yards per game).

With Clayborn on the field from 2007-10, the Hawkeyes compiled a record of 34-17 with victories in the Outback, Orange and Insight bowls in three consecutive seasons. Iowa was fifth in scoring defense in 2008 (13 points per game), sixth in rushing defense in 2010 (101.54 yards per game) and 10th in total defense in 2009 (276.54 yards per game). The Hawkeyes finished in the NCAA top 10 six times in various defensive categories since 2008.

The 6-foot-4, 285-pound Clayborn is a native of St. Louis. During his career, he made 192 tackles with 8 ½ sacks.

Clayborn is the 40th Ferentz-coached Hawkeye (and 18th defensive player) to be drafted. Last season a record six Iowa players were drafted, led by first-rounder Bryan Bulaga, who started on the offensive line for the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.