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Steelers Sign Former Merrimack DB
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have added another rookie defensive back this offseason following the conclusion of the NFL Draft as they prepare for rookie minicamp.
That defensive back is former Merrimack Warrior, Darion McKenzie, a 6'3 and 183-pound prospect that is taking his shot at the NFL after five seasons in college. His school announced the signing on Twitter, but the Steelers have yet to make an official announcement.
Congratulations to Darion McKenzie on signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers! #GoMack // #MackTough // #STRAIN pic.twitter.com/a9e8UxXNVR
— Merrimack Football (@Merrimack_FB) April 29, 2024
McKenzie appeared in 43 total games in college and racked up 84 total tackles, 7 interceptions and 31 total passes defended. His best season was by far the 2021 campaign, when he racked up 34 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 9 passes defended and a forced fumble.
The Steelers are young and largely unproven at cornerback right now. Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson figure to sit atop the depth chart, with Cory Trice and Darius Rush following behind after de facto redshirt rookie years. The Steelers added Ryan Watts from Texas in the sixth round of the 2024 Draft and West Virginia's Beanie Bishop as an undrafted free agent.
STEPHEN THOMPSON
Stephen Thompson graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Pitt in April 2022 after spending four years as a sports writer and editor at The Pitt News, the University of Pittsburgh's independent, student-run newspaper. He primarily worked the Pitt men's basketball beat, and filled in on coverage of football, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and lacrosse, in addition to other sports as needed. His work at The Pitt News has won awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and Associated College Press. During the spring and summer of 2021, Stephen interned for Pittsburgh Sports Now, covering baseball in western Pennsylvania. Hailing from Washington D.C., family ties have cultivated a love of Boston's professional teams and Pitt athletics, and a fascination with sports in general.