STEELERS BLACK -N- GOLD POST A Pittsburgh Steelers Blog from the heart of Steelers Nation.

Ramon Foster, OT, Tennessee (6'6", 325 lbs)
2007 - Games/Starts: 14/14 ... Recognized for excellence with All-SEC second team nod by Rivals.com ... Started at right tackle all 14 games ... Vols led country with only four sacks allowed (Rutgers next with 10) ... Starting quarterback Erik Ainge was sacked just three times in 519 pass attempts, setting major college record for minimum 300 attempts ... Team's combined 534 pass attempts meant opponents sacked UT quarterbacks once every 133.5 attempts ... Suffered broken thumb in pregame warmups before Vanderbilt contest, but still played entire game and did not miss any snaps rest of season ... Led to his being named to All-MayDay Team by ESPN analyst Mark May ... Played both tackle and guard positions ... Helped Tennessee offense produce a 3,000-yard passer, 1,000-yard rusher and 1,000-yard receiver...Recipient of 2007 Harvey Robinson Award as most improved offensive player in spring practice.

2006 - Games/Starts: 11/0 ... Saw action in 11 games this season ... Played all four quarters against Memphis, Alabama and Vanderbilt, and was key reserve in Outback Bowl ... Part of offensive line unit that allowed only 19 sacks -- third-fewest in the league -- against 415 pass attempts -- second-most in the league.

2005 - Games/Starts: 7/2 ... Six of his 2005 appearances were versus SEC competition ... For his efforts, earned Freshman All-SEC nod by league coaches ... Started at left guard in collegiate debut vs. UAB after injuries at center position forced veteran Rob Smith to fill that void ... Saw action along the offensive front at LSU ... Saw significant playing time vs. Vanderbilt and started at right tackle in the season-finale at Kentucky ... Shared 2005 Harvey Robinson Award as most improved offensive player in spring practice with David Ligon.



Mark Estermyer, Long Snapper, Pitt.

2008 Scouting Report: A vital part of Pitt's kicking game as the starting long snapper...handles punts, field goals and extra points...an incredibly consistent and reliable performer...is a true "student of snapping," watching endless film of himself and other long snappers on the pro and college levels...also accomplished in the classroom and was named to the Big East All-Academic Football Team each of the last three years.

2007: Expanded his long snapping role to include field goals/PATs...previously handled only punts...played in all 12 games to earn his third letter...had two tackles on the year, including stops vs. Virginia and USF...named to the Big East All-Academic Football Team.

2006: Earned his second letter, handling long snapping for punts in all 12 games...named to the Big East All-Academic Football Team.

2005: Lettered as a redshirt freshman, handling long snapping for punts in all 11 games...had one tackle at Louisville...named to the Big East All-Academic Football Team.



Tom Korte, LB, Hillsdale College  (5'11", 239 pounds)

A two-time team MVP and All-Region linebacker, Korte is the second Hillsdale College football player to be invited to an NFL camp in the past two years. In 2008, former Charger quarterback Mark Nicolet attended the Detroit Lions' rookie camp before signing a professional contract to play football in Sweden.

Korte distinguished himself as one of the best linebackers in the 117-year history of Hillsdale College football during his career that spanned from 2005-08. He led the team in tackles three times, was named the team's most outstanding linebacker three times, and was tabbed First-Team All-GLIAC three times.

He joins a franchise that won its NFL-record sixth Super Bowl in February, in a classic contest against the Arizona Cardinals.




Derick Richardson, S, New Mexico State (5'11", 190 lbs)

Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors as a senior after leading the Aggies in tackles posting 137/1/6. Junior totals included 108/1/4.
POSITIVES: Tough, aggressive run-defending safety best playing downhill. Displays a good head for the ball in run defense, quick up the field, and wraps up tackling. Physical, works to get involved, and constantly around the action. Keeps plays in front of him, and recognizes assignments. Solid special teams player.

NEGATIVES: Possesses marginal ball skills and rarely a factor when in coverage. Lacks top sideline-to-sideline range.

Richardson is a stout run defending safety who has enough skill to play in a zone system at the next level. A solid special teams player on the college level, Richardson must duplicate that skill this summer in order to make it in the NFL.

Mike Reiley, QB, Central Washington (6'3", 215 lbs)


Kevin McCabe, QB, California University of Pennsylvania (6'2", 215 lbs)