Mason McCormick drafted in fourth round by Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers got one of the best offensive linemen in FCS football on Saturday when they drafted Mason McCormick of South Dakota State with the 119^th overall pick (fourth round) in the National Football League draft.

McCormick, who is a two-time FCS All-American left guard, played 70 games in college at SDSU – 57 of them consecutively.

“We obviously loved him. He comes from a smaller school, but the kid is tough. He plays football the right way,” explained Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach Pat Meyer. "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."

Before becoming a Jackrabbit, McCormick was a Rough Rider under Kim Nelson at Sioux Falls Roosevelt. Along with being an all-state lineman in 11AAA, he was also a podium participant in both discus and shot put.

"I am very excited to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. This is definitely a dream come true,” McCormick said, in an interview with the Steelers web team. “I think on the field there is only one way to play this game. When you are off the field, there is no reason not to be a good person and nice to people."

The former Roosevelt Rough Rider was one of two South Dakotans to hear their named called during the NFL Draft this past weekend. Tip Reiman, who won a state championship with the O’Gorman Knights, was drafted in the third round by the Arizona Cardinals.

This is the first time since 1972 that two South Dakotans have been drafted in the same year – Neil Graff (Sioux Falls Lincoln) and Larry Jacobson (O’Gorman).

McCormick will report shortly to begin the offseason programs with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rookie minicamp is schedule for May 13-15 with team minicamp June 7-9.