The Steelers selected guard Mason McCormick from South Dakota State in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the 119th overall pick.
"We obviously loved him," said offensive line coach Pat Meyer. "He comes from a smaller school, but the kid is tough. He plays football the right way.
"He wanted to be a Steeler, I know that just talking to him, working the kid out. We are excited to have him.
"We are going to have him penciled in at the guard position. He will come in and compete from day one."
McCormick has played in 70 games in his collegiate career, including a school-record streak of 57 games as he played the opening offensive snap at left guard in all 15 games in 2023.
"I am very excited to be a Pittsburgh Steeler," said McCormick. "This is definitely a dream come true."
McCormick earned All-America honors and All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors for the fourth time in his career in 2023. He also earned Missouri Valley Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week honors in a win over North Dakota.
McCormick has been described by some as the meanest, yet nicest, player around.
He agrees with that, knowing on the field and off the field are two separate things.
"I think on the field there is only one way to play this game," said McCormick. "When you are off the field, there is no reason not to be a good person and nice to people."
Take a look at photos of Pittsburgh Steelers fourth-round pick, G Mason McCormick
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HONORS AND AWARDS
American Football Coaches Association FCS All-America First Team (2022)
AFCA FCS All-America Second Team (2023)
Associated Press FCS All-America First Team (2022, 2023)
Phil Steele FCS Offensive Lineman of the Year (2023)
Phil Steele FCS All-America First Team (2022, 2023)
HERO Sports FCS All-America Team (2020-21, 2021, 2022)
HERO Sports FCS Sophomore All-America Team (2020-21)
Stats Perform FCS All-America First Team (2023)
Stats Perform FCS All-America Second Team (2022)
All-Missouri Valley Football Conference First Team (2022, 2023)
All-MVFC Second Team (2020-21, 2021)
MVFC Offensive Lineman of the Week (Oct. 1, 2022; Sept. 30, 2023)
Hampshire Honor Society (2023)
College Sports Communicators Academic All-District (2022)
MVFC Commissioner's Academic Excellence Award (2019, 2020-21, 2021)
MVFC Honor Roll (2018, 2019, 2020-21, 2021, 2022)
Team Captain (2021, 2022, 2023)
