UAB offensive lineman Chris Hubbard inks with Pittsburgh Steelers
By Drew Champlin
on April 27, 2013
UAB lineman Chris Hubbard stretches before practice last fall. Hubbard reached a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers after the draft as an undrafted free agent.
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - UAB offensive lineman Chris Hubbard didn't have to wait long after the NFL Draft to figure out his next step.
Hubbard didn't get drafted, but soon agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent. He'll report to mini-camp next weekend.
"They called me as soon as possible after the draft," Hubbard said. "I'm excited. It's a weight lifted off my shoulders. I'm ready to go to work. They had given me calls, wanting to know the best way to get in touch with me, and now it's official."
Hubbard said he wasn't disappointed with not being drafted. Plenty of talented college players got to choose their team after the draft, and Hubbard was one of them.
"It's not a disappointment at all," Hubbard said. "I'm just glad somebody took a chance on me and picked me up."
Hubbard was an all-Conference USA selection as a quick tackle this season for Garrick McGee's Blazer squad. Hubbard helped running back Darrin Reaves top the 1,000-yard mark.
The 6-foot 4, 286-pound Hubbard showed off his speed, running a 4.71 at the University of Alabama's Pro Day. He bench-pressed 21 repetitions of 225 pounds and had a vertical jump of 28.5 inches.
"He's a very mature kid," UAB head coach Garrick McGee said about Hubbard earlier this spring. "He's consistent and it's hard to find guys consistent kids, guys you know exactly what you're going to get every single day. That's what he brings to the table.
"I think he should get an opportunity definitely as a free agent. That's all you can ask for as a college player, to get an opportunity to put on a uniform."
[URL]http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/04/uab_offensive_lineman_chris_hu_1.html[/URL]
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