Elon senior offensive lineman Rodney Austin was signed to a free agent contract by the Detroit Lions, according to a tweet from Mark F. Magazu, II, the President and CEO of Atlas Strategies, the agency that represents Austin.
Magazu tweeted, "Congratulations to Atlas client Rodney Austin, newest member of the Detroit Lions."
Austin missed all of last season with an injury, but played in 27 games from 2008-2010. After his junior year, he was named to the all-Southern Conference first team by the league's coaches.
Austin is one of several SoCon players to sign free agent contracts after not being selected in the 2012 NFL Draft. Here are the other SoCon signings:
- Appalachian State DB De'Andre Presley - SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
- Appalachian State WR Travaris Cadet - NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
- Georgia Southern CB Laron Scott - NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
- Furman CB Ryan Steed - NEW YORK JETS
- Furman LB Kadarron Anderson - NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
- Furman OL Ryan Lee - PITTSBURGH STEELERS
- Wofford WR Brenton Bersin - CAROLINA PANTHERS