Steelers sign an undersized UDFA running back from a small school

The Pittsburgh Steelers held their 2023 rookie minicamp over Mother's Day weekend, and some players clearly impressed them enough that the coaching staff would like to get a closer look. On May 15th, Pittsburgh signed former undrafted rookie running back, Alfonzo Graham.

Graham was a player invited to the three-day rookie minicamp, and he will now get a chance to be part of the team's 90-man summer roster. If you've never heard of Alfonzo Graham before, there's probably a reason for that.

Graham was a former Morgan State standout. His team played in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Though this is still Division I football, this is a non-Power Five conference that rarely produces NFL talent.

As a result, we don't even have official testing numbers for Graham coming into the draft this year. What we do know is that he's a small running back with quality production in the MEAC.

What are Steelers getting in RB Alfonzo Graham?

According to the official Morgan State Bears website, Graham measures in at just 5'9'' and 180 pounds. While the lack of height isn't a concern at the position, the notably light frame is. This didn't stop Graham from having a productive college career.

In 20 career games at Morgan State, Graham rushed for 250 carries and recorded 1,656 rushing yards with 13 touchdowns. Additionally, he caught 31 passes for 231 yards and a touchdown. Graham also got work as a return man -- returning 18 kicks for 402 yards.

Most of his production came in the 2022 season where he recorded 1,150 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns on 196 attempts. Graham won the MEAC rushing title and earned All-MEAC honors in the process, according to Teresa Varley for the Steelers' official website.

It's unclear what Graham's exact role will be this summer at this time. His small frame would suggest that he will be a scat back who will have to earn his bread as a kick returner. Time will tell how long the Steelers will carry Alfonzo Graham on their roster or whether or not he will be given a shot to prove himself in the preseason. Regardless, the team was apparently impressed with him enough to hand him an offer sheet following Steelers rookie minicamp.