New UDFA signings - long snapper + OT

by acrollet on Apr 26, 2009 8:35 PM EDT

According to kffl.com, Steelers sign Tackle Ramon Foster (6'6" - 325) out of Tennessee and Long Snapper Mark Estermyer from Pitt.

From Nfl.com:

Foster is a three-year starter who won Freshman All-SEC honors in 2005 after stepping in at left guard and right tackle due to injuries. He primarily started at right tackle the past three seasons, but he will be tried inside and outside at the next level to see where he fits best. Foster was named to the ESPN Mark May's 2007 "MayDay Team" after playing with a broken thumb throughout most of his junior season. Had an arm span of 34 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 inches at the combine.

From Pitt's website:

A vital part of Pitt's kicking game as the starting long snapper...handles punts, field goals and extra points...an incredibly consistent and reliable performer...is a true "student of snapping," watching endless film of himself and other long snappers on the pro and college levels...also accomplished in the classroom and was named to the Big East All-Academic Football Team each of the last three years.

Anyone know anything about these dudes?

UPDATE: From the comments - also signed: linebacker Tom Korte of Hillsdale College + safety Derrick Richardson of New Mexico State.

From Hillsdale's website:

Korte distinguished himself as one of the best linebackers in the 117-year history of Hillsdale College football during his career that spanned from 2005-08. He led the team in tackles three times, was named the team's most outstanding linebacker three times, and was tabbed First-Team All-GLIAC three times.

From the Las Cruces Sun-News:

Last year, Richardson was the Aggies' top defensive player and was among the country's best. He averaged 12.5 tackles per game, tops in the nation, and his 137 tackles were a career-best for a season.

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Comments

Estermyer has said he really wanted to play for Pittsburgh, but thats about all I know

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on Apr 26, 2009 8:43 PM EDT reply actions

I saw on twitter: NFL Draft Bible reports Steelers signed

safety Derrick Richardson of New Mexico State http://is.gd/uLWx

Foster is still on kffl.com for me.

by syrsteelerfan on Apr 26, 2009 9:39 PM EDT reply actions

linebacker Tom Korte of Hillsdale College

Here’s another F/A acquisition

http://www.hillsdale.edu/admissions/news/news_story.asp?iNewsID=1662&strBack=/athletics/Default.asp

by workingon7 on Apr 26, 2009 10:00 PM EDT reply actions

The Ramon Foster news is there.

Currently, it’s at the very bottom of the page of the link you gave. Here’s a link to the meme and its comment thread.

by David Hooper on Apr 26, 2009 10:10 PM EDT reply actions

open competition

Estermeyer will be competing with Harrison for longsnapping honors? This should be fun to follow through camp.

by 36chambers on Apr 26, 2009 10:35 PM EDT reply actions

QB signed?

I picked this off “Steeler Depot” blog, that we signed QB Mike Reilly (Central Washington).

by betelgeuse on Apr 26, 2009 11:42 PM EDT reply actions

If true that's very interesting

Ron Jaworski loves that guy.

by houksyndrome on Apr 26, 2009 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions

You always have a couple of extra QB's at camp....

…so that the top two or three don’t throw their arms out in all the practices and drills.

And if one of these kids somehow knocks your socks off, that’s all well and good.

by Homer J. on Apr 27, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Jaws

f’n gushed over this dude. i think Jaws wants to rub him bum.

by Hypocycloid on Apr 27, 2009 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Love the long-snapper signing.

Okay, big joke, but actually it’s a good move. Rostkefoskcanneverspellnameright was never the greatest snapper last year even towards the end and was sending kicks high. He also got bullied around all year after the snap, moreso than most longsnapper. The sprain on Warren is still of concern, better to have a durable commodity. Might as well have some competition for a silly but important position.

And a student of a long-snapping, what a quote. Ha!

Don't worry about the haters. Haters only hate.

by steelguy99 on Apr 27, 2009 9:11 AM EDT reply actions

Retkovsky or whatever his name is

Or should I call him Naga…Naga…Nagana work here anymore also just had shoulder surgery. Jeff Reed having some cartlidge removed from his plant leg a couple years back extended his range due to removing pain. shoulder surgery on the only guy other than a QB that throws the ball consistantly, and not all that well in the first place. He is slow getting the ball back to the Punter/Holder. Enjoy your ring, I can’t complain, you didn’t lose any games for all which is all a Long Snapper is supposed to do.

by SteelCage on Apr 27, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions

No one in this country can pronounce his name right, it's not that hard.

We should just go resign Josh Miller and let Harrison long snap. Then Josh can stand at the 5 yard line and Harrison can snap it 25 yards to him and Josh can kick it 75 yards like he always did when he was backed up. Then you don’t have to worry about Josh having no accuracy or Harrison knocking out someone in the first row with his snap.

by Phantaskippy on Apr 27, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions

It’s the spelling that’s tricky.

Don't worry about the haters. Haters only hate.

by steelguy99 on Apr 27, 2009 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions

FOSTER

How on earth can a guy who is 6’6’ and 325 not get drafted in rounds six or seven. He played three full seasons so its not an injury concern. Is he slow both physically and mentally?

by steelerstyle on Apr 27, 2009 10:02 AM EDT reply actions

He’s pretty slow physically, although he could be a decent signing. And there are lots of 6’6 325 lb guys that don’t get drafted.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Apr 27, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Estermyer

Estermyer came from a long snapping family. There was actually an article on him in the Trib during Pitt football season. This is a kid whose father passed away, but whose brother taught him long snapping. I think he went to West Allegheny under coach Palko? Anyway, this kid would practice long snapping in the hallways of his house growing up. He was a reliable long snapper for Pitt for the past two years after walking on. Conner Lee had like 120 consecutive PATs and was a darn good field goal kicker and Estermyer was part of that. His snaps were always consistent as well.

I like this UDFA pick-up and the competition between Warren, (the dude from last year) and Estermyer. If anything, this position allows you to get a little younger….

by vanslyke on Apr 27, 2009 10:20 AM EDT reply actions