A Look At Steelers Roster Ahead of 2014 NFL Draft: Running Backs

MIGUEL MAYSONET

New York native Miguel Maysonet went from Riverhead High School to The State University of New York at Stony Brook, known as Stony Brook University (SBU), a small public research university. As a member of the Seawolves in the America East Conference and the Colonial Athletic Association (Division I), it wasn’t necessarily unusual that Maysonet may not get the national attention of big NFL scouts.

In 2012, Maysonet had one of the greatest seasons by a rusher in FCS history and was the runner up for the Walter Payton Award. Maysonet was CFPA All-Purpose Player of the Year and Big South Offensive Player of the Year. He posted 1,964 yards and 21 touchdowns. It was the 11th most yards in a season in FCS history. Other All-America Honors in 2012: Sports Network/Fathead.com (first team); AFCA FCS; Beyond Sports College Network (first team); Associated Press (first team); Walter Camp; Phil Steele (first team); College Sports Journal (first team); ECAC FCS Offensive Player of the Year.

With career highs in rushing – 32 attempts at Army (9/29/12), 233 yards at Coastal Carolina (10/13/12), four touchdowns vs Lafayette (9/24/11) and at Charleston Southern (11/5/11), and longest rush of 84 yards vs Central Connecticut (9/1/12) – it isn’t surprising that the Philadelphia Eagles signed Maysonet as an undrafted free agent in 2013.

Unfortunate for Maysonet was his future in the National Football League. After his signing on April 27, the Eagles released Maysonet on May 20, 2013. Maysonet was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns only to be released in August. On Sept. 16, 2013, the Indianapolis Colts signed Maysonet to their practice squad for ten days. Still active, Maysonet was signed on Oct. 1, by the San Diego Chargers to fill a spot on their practice squad for eight days. What followed was a signing to the New York Jet’s practice squad from Oct. 15 – Oct. 22, 2013. The final move before finding a place in Pittsburgh was that Maysonet was signed in December 2013 to the Washington Redskins’ practice squad.

A bright kid with obvious football ability, Maysonet has yet to be given an opportunity to step up to the table with much in front of him. The Steelers signed Maysonet to a reserve/future contract on Jan. 7, 2014, and he has remained on the roster for now. Coming from a smaller school has often resulted in very talented players being given less of an opportunity to play on the big stage. Whether Maysonet will provide anything that the Steelers can put on the field following training camp may be unrealistic despite the kid’s big heart.

 

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