Furman’s Ryan Steed, Citadel’s Kevin Hardy sign NFL free-agent contracts

Ryan Steed was not picked in the NFL Draft, but it didn’t take long for the ex-Furman star to hook on with a team.

Steed, a former Pinewood Prep standout from Mount Pleasant, signed a free-agent deal with the New York Jets on Saturday night, just after the draft ended. The cornerback had four interceptions and 46 tackles for Furman last season, and was projected to be a mid to late-round pick.

Also signed to free-agent deals were former Citadel receiver Kevin Hardy (by the Saints), and ex-Berkeley High School standout Omar Brown (by the Ravens). Brown played defensive back at Marshall.

Other signings: From Clemson, fullback Chad Diehl and lineman Antione McClain by Baltimore, and punter Dawson Zimmerman by the Falcons. From South Carolina, receiver Jason Barnes to the Chargers.

From Furman, lineman Ryan Lee went to the Steelers and linebacker Kaddaron Anderson to the Saints. South Carolina State sent linebacker Donovan Richard to the Jaguars and safety Dominique Ellis to the Chiefs. Wofford receiver Brenton Bersin went to the Panthers.

From the SoCon, Appalachian State cornerback DeAndre Presley went to the Chargers, and running back Travaris Cadet to the Saints, who also signed Georgia Southern defensive back Laron Scott.