Stephenson, Harris Selected in 2007 NFL Draft
Apr 29 | Football
NEW YORK, N.Y. (April 29, 2007) - Cameron Stephenson (Inglewood, Calif.) was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round and Clark Harris (Manahawkin, N.J.) was taken in the seventh round by the Green Bay Packers in the 2007 NFL Draft Sunday. In all, three Rutgers players were selected in the 2007 NFL Draft after the St. Louis Rams drafted Brian Leonard (Gouverneur, N.Y.) in the second round on Saturday.
"I can't wait to get to Pittsburgh," said Stephenson. "It was a sigh of relief when my name flashed on television and it felt really great. I look forward to the whole experience of playing in the NFL and to the opportunity with the Steelers."
Stephenson, who played both on the offensive and defensive lines during his career "On the Banks", blossomed as a senior into one of the best offensive linemen in the BIG EAST. He started all 13 games at right guard and was a Second Team All-BIG EAST selection last season.
"The Steelers are very fortunate to have Cam on their team," said Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano. "I only wish we had him longer here ourselves at Rutgers. His best football is definitely ahead of him."
Stephenson was part of a Rutgers' offensive line that allowed just eight sacks the entire season, the fewest of any team nationally. The RU offensive line also helped pave the way for All-America running back Ray Rice (New Rochelle, N.Y.), who finished second nationally with 1,794 rushing yards, a BIG EAST single-season record. The Scarlet Knights ranked 15th nationally in rushing yards per game, averaging over 180 per contest.
Harris was a three-time First-Team All-BIG EAST selection at tight end for the Scarlet Knights. He holds the third-longest streak for consecutive games with a reception in BIG EAST history, having caught a pass in 38-straight games. He ranks sixth in the RU career record book in both receiving yards (2,015) and career receptions (143) and is tied for seventh in school history with 11 career touchdown receptions.
"I wasn't really expecting anything leading up to the draft," said Harris. "I told my family and friends and my agent that I'd rather go into it blind. So here I am now, I'm a Green Bay Packer."
