Josh Harrison finally got the phone call he wanted.
On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed the former Lake City and South Carolina State offensive lineman to a free-agent contract.
“I was so excited about it. I can’t put it into words,” Harrison said. “It’s been a dream of mine to play pro football and I’m excited to get the opportunity.”
Harrison will report to the Steelers’ facility Wednesday and then be with the club when it opens training camp Thursday in Latrobe, Pa.
Harrison, like other undrafted free agents, has been in limbo since April until the NFL lockout ended Monday. Tuesday was the first day teams were able to sign undrafted free agents.
Harrison said he has stayed in shape by working out in Orangeburg, where he has been taking classes to finish up his degree in mechanical engineering, and at the YMCA in Florence.
“I’m fine and in the best shape of my life,” Harrison said. “But I’m tired of working out. I’m just ready to get out there and play. I’m ready to get on that field again. It’s been a while.”
Harrison was a two-year starter at left tackle At S.C. State and was a two time all-MEAC selection. Conference coaches voted Harrison MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Year, and he also was selected to play in the HBCU Classic in Atlanta.
Before arriving at S.C. State, Harrison was a four-year starter at Lake City and played in the North-South game his senior season. He also lettered in basketball.
“We are extremely happy for him to get that opportunity. He is a great kid and hard worker,” said Lake City coach Jim Rowell, who was Harrison’s position coach for his final two years. “When you get to that level, that’s all you can ask for. Now, he’s got to make the best out of it.”
Harrison isn’t the only player from the Pee Dee on the free agent market. Former Wilson standout Justin Durant, who spent the previous four seasons at linebacker with the Jacksonville Jaguars, is an unrestricted free agent.
“Let the games begin,” Durant posted on his Twitter account Tuesday morning.
Durant, who has started 42 games in his career, was fourth on the Jaguars last season in tackles with 55 but missed the last three games because of injury. His best year came in 2009 when he registered 98 tackles, a sack and an interception.
A report on the website ESPNChicago.com stated the Bears were interested in pursuing Durant to play linebacker alongside Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs. The Detroit Lions also are looking at Durant, according to published reports.
Free agents can’t sign with their new teams until Friday.
PALMETTO STATE SIGNEES
A list of players from South Carolina schools who signed non-drafted free agent contracts today:
Clemson — Miguel Chavis (Steelers), Deandre McDaniel (Saints)
Furman — Adam Mims (Steelers)
Newberry — Ron Parker (Seahawks), Kamaal McIlwain (Falcons)
South Carolina — Tori Gurley (Packers), Patrick DiMarco (Chargers), Weslye Saunders (Steelers), Ladi Ajiboye (Seahawks), Garrett Chisholm (Dolphins), Jarriel King (Giants), Spencer Lanning (Bears)
South Carolina State — Josh Harrison (Steelers)
The Citadel — Erik Clanton (Steelers)
Wofford — Tommy Irvin (Cardinals), Pat Illig (Lions)
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement