Former Mars, Central Catholic, Duquesne players among invites to Steelers rookie minicamp

A handful of players with local ties are among the invites to this weekend’s Pittsburgh Steelers rookie minicamp.

Among the names on the list a team spokesman released less than two hours before the first on-field practice was to begin Friday morning were Pittsburgh-area high school alumni Arnold Tarpley (Central Catholic) and Matthew White (Mars). Tarpley is a safety who played at Vanderbilt. White is a kicker who kicked and punted at Monmouth.

#Steelers 2019 Rookie Minicamp (May 10-12) numerical roster is attached. Jersey numbers for rookies at minicamp are subject to change (at a later date).

*Devin Bush (#55) is the only confirmed number for the team's rookie class. pic.twitter.com/vNUZjQgNTS

— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) May 10, 2019

Tarpley and White join 15 others who will take part in the Friday-Sunday workouts at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex as tryouts.

Among the more recognizable names from the list of more than five dozen players are the Steelers’ nine-man draft class from last month, notably the first on-field work for No. 10 overall pick Devin Bush.

The 11 undrafted free agents signed to a contract in the 48 hours after the draft are taking part (including Dravon Askew-Henry of Aliquippa and West Virginia), as are several first-year NFL players who have previous experience in camps or practice squads across the league. Defensive lineman Lavon Hooks and receivers Tevin Jones and Trey Griffey, for example, spent all of last season on the Steelers’ practice squad.

Other tryout invites of note are Duquesne receiver Nehari Crawford (a cousin of Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier) and Tennessee quarterback Keller Chryst (nephew of former Pitt coach Paul Chryst).

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