Third-round draft choice Javon Hargrave is the latest of the Steelers rookies to make it official when he was signed to a four-year contract.
Hargrave, a defensive tackle out of South Carolina State, came from a small school but could have a big impact on the defense this year. The hope is Hargrave can be added to the mix on the defensive line, taking some reps and giving guys like Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt much needed breathers.
"Nobody is coming here to just sit around," said Hargrave. "Of course I am coming here to learn quickly and be out there with those guys and contribute. All my life that is all I did. In high school I played both ways. I played all the snaps. Coming from South Carolina State, they didn't take me off the field. I was an every down player."
Hargrave finished his college career with 37 sacks, including 10 or more his last two seasons. His senior year he recorded 59 tackles with 22 tackles for a loss and 13.5 sacks in 11 games.
He now gets to take it to the next level with the team he has been a fan of since he was a kid.
"I was a big Steelers fan growing up," said Hargrave. "It's a dream come true for me. When I got the call that I was being drafted by the Steelers, I was thinking this is too perfect."
Hargrave is the final of the Steelers seven draft picks to sign.
