The Steelers signed cornerback/punt returner Donte Kent, one of the team's seventh-round picks, to a four-year contract. Kent, who played at Central Michigan, was selected with the 229th overall pick.
"It's hard to explain. I am just happy. I am a PA baby, and I feel like PA babies stay in PA," said Kent, who is from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. "That's an exciting moment for me, to go play for the Steelers.
"But my emotions were through the roof throughout this whole draft. Just keeping God first. Staying positive. It all paid off. And I am so excited."
Kent appeared in 53 games for Central Michigan, starting 48, and finished with 235 career tackles, 171 of them solo stops. He had 47 passes defensed, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, four and a half tackles for a loss, and one and a half sacks.
Kent said he is comfortable playing in the slot or outside, doing whatever is asked of him.
"I feel like I can do both," said Kent. "I am a versatile player. I can play the nickel position. I can play the cornerback position. I am a football player that can return punts. I can come in and be a core special teams player. You can throw me back deep as a kick returner as well.
"I want to come in and do whatever I can to contribute to the team in a positive way."
He also returned 16 punts for 217 yards, including a long of 68 yards, and one touchdown, all during the 2024 season.
Kent was named All-Mid-American Conference three times, including first team in 2022 and second team in 2023 and 2024.
Kent said he didn't have a lot of contact with the Steelers during the pre-draft process, but did say he believes Coach Mike Tomlin saw him as far back as the Big 33 high school game between stars from Pennsylvania and Maryland.
"I think it was my versatility," said Kent of what he thinks caught the Steelers attention. "Just being able to play different positions at a high level.
"I think that's really what caught their attention."
