April 27, 2010
Former Vanderbilt center and two-year captain Bradley Vierling will sign a free agent deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, becoming the fourth recent Commodore graduate either selected or signed by a NFL team.
Three other Commodore seniors – defensive ends Steven Stone and Broderick Stewart, and linebacker Patrick Benoist – also are expected in NFL mini camps next week.
Cornerback Myron Lewis and offensive tackle Thomas Welch were selected during the NFL draft last week by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots, respectively. Safety Ryan Hamilton also signed a free agent deal with the world champion New Orleans Saints within hours of the draft.
Vierling, a 6-3, 295-pound native of Warminster, Pa., will sign with the Steelers after considering offers from four NFL franchises. The product of Central Bucks East High School started 25 consecutive games for the Commodores as an offensive captain in 2008 and 2009. As a first-time starter in 2008, Vierling helped the Commodores to a 7-6 record and victory in the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl.
Stone, a 30-game career starter at end from Conway, Ark., has accepted a tryout with the Kansas City Chiefs. The 6-5, 270-pound Stone, who returned from a foot fracture to play the final five games this year, finished his career second among Commodores with 24.5 career tackles for loss. He also contributed 10.5 quarterback sacks among 129 career tackles.
Benoist, a three-year starter who earned All-Southeastern Conference honors at linebacker, will join Lewis in Tampa for a tryout with the Buccaneers. A two-time district academic All-American off the field, Benoist ranked second on the team with 85 total tackles as a senior, and amassed 240 tackles during his Commodore career.
Stewart, a two-year starter at end from Newnan, Ga., is expected to compete for a roster spot with the New York Jets. He finished his Vanderbilt career as the active leader in sacks (18) and tackles for loss (27.5).
