May 1, 2007 2 min read

PITTSBURGH (AP) – Left tackle Jason Capizzi of Indiana (Pa.) was one of 11 rookie free agents signed Monday by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who can only hope a player close to Willie Parker in ability is among them. Parker, a backup running back at North Carolina during his college career, went undrafted three years ago before signing with Pittsburgh as a rookie free agent. He has since had two 1,000-yard seasons, gaining 1,494 yards last season, and the longest carry in Super Bowl history of 75 yards.

The 6-foot-9, 315-pound Capizzi was the only Pittsburgh-area college player signed by the Steelers.

They also added running backs Gary Russell of Minnesota, Paul Mosley of Baylor and fullback Aaron Robbins of Wyoming. The Steelers have planned to add another back to complement Parker, but did not draft one.

Also signed were long snapper Jared Retkofsky of TCU, defensive lineman Derrick Jones of Grand Valley State, wide receivers Eric Deslauriers of Eastern Michigan, Eric Fowler of Grand Valley State and Chris Jackson of Millsaps, offensive lineman Darnell Stapleton of Rutgers and tight end Cody Boyd of Washington State.

The Steelers will stage their second minicamp under coach Mike Tomlin, and their first involving the rookies, starting May 11.