INDIANA, Pa. – IUP offensive lineman Ethan Cooper (Steelton, Pa. /Central Dauphin East) signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent after the conclusion of the 2017 NFL Draft on Saturday.
 
Cooper was one of just nine rookie free agents to sign with the Steelers after the draft, including the only offensive lineman with eight former Division I players. Pittsburgh didn't draft another offensive lineman, so Cooper is the only rookie at his position that the team is bringing in this offseason.
 
RELATED | Cooper's NFL.com Draft Profile
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The two-time All-American is projected to play guard in the NFL after finishing his IUP career with 37 consecutive starts at both right tackle and left guard. Cooper helped the Crimson Hawks to a 19-5 overall record and two straight NCAA Division II playoff appearances over the last two seasons.
 
As a senior, he anchored an offensive line that paved the way for a ground game that averaged 279.8 rushing yards per game, fourth in the nation.
 
Cooper was an NFL Combine invitee and NFLPA Collegiate Bowl participant this offseason. He'll have the chance to be the first IUP player since Akwasi Owusu-Ansah in 2010 to make an NFL squad. Owusu-Ansah was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round (126th overall) of the 2010 draft.
 
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