South Dakota State Guard McCormick Drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers

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ICARO Media Group
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27/04/2024 20h30

The Pittsburgh Steelers have added depth to their offensive line by selecting South Dakota State guard, McCormick, in the fourth round of the NFL draft. McCormick, chosen as the 119th overall pick, brings an impressive collegiate record and a strong skill set to the team.

Known for his exceptional athleticism, McCormick scored highly among all guards at the combine, according to the league's calculations. His talent on the field was evident during his time at South Dakota State, where he started as the left guard for all 30 games of the team's back-to-back FCS national championship wins. McCormick played a crucial role in South Dakota State's impressive offensive performance, as the team ranked sixth nationally in both total offense and scoring offense in 2023.

Throughout his collegiate career, McCormick received numerous accolades, including being named a first-team AP FCS All-American in 2022 and 2023. He was also recognized as an all-Missouri Valley Conference player for four consecutive seasons. McCormick's leadership and dedication were evident as he served as a team captain during South Dakota State's national championship victories.

The 24-year-old lineman made 57 consecutive starts to conclude his career and was part of an offensive line that contributed to South Dakota State's fifth national ranking in rushing yards per game. In recognition of his outstanding performance during the 2022 season, McCormick was awarded the Adam Timmerman Award as the co-Most Valuable Player on offense.

Prior to his selection by the Steelers, McCormick had an opportunity to showcase his skills during an official pre-draft visit with the team. He joins first-round pick Troy Fautanu and second-round pick Zach Frazier as part of a trio of offensive linemen chosen by the Steelers in the first four rounds. McCormick is only the second player from South Dakota State to be drafted by the Steelers, following quarterback Chris Oladokun in the seventh round of the 2022 draft.

The Steelers' selection of McCormick highlights their focus on strengthening their offensive line and securing promising talents from the college circuit. The team last drafted an FCS player in 2016 when they chose South Carolina State defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.

With McCormick's arrival, the Pittsburgh Steelers aim to bolster their offensive line and continue their pursuit of success in the upcoming season. McCormick's prowess on the field and his impressive collegiate record make him a valuable addition to the team as they strive to compete at the highest level.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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