Steelers sign Chartiers Valley, Duquesne alum Christian Kuntz

The Pittsburgh Steelers added another WPIAL alum to their roster Thursday, signing Chartiers Valley graduate Christian Kuntz just before the final practice of training camp at Saint Vincent.

The team listed Kuntz as a linebacker, though he spent last year’s training camp with the Denver Broncos as a long snapper. Kuntz was the first Duquesne player to earn All-American honors three times after he accumulated 248 tackles, 71½ tackles for loss and 30½ sacks between 2012-16.

Also a high school basketball standout who won a WPIAL title alongside future NBA player T.J. McConnell, Kuntz is the Duquesne career record-holder for sacks and is fourth in NCAA FCS history in tackles for loss.

Kuntz likely will play outside linebacker for the Steelers, based on his sack production and because they released outside linebacker JT Jones to make roster space.

Duquesne football (@DuqFB) tandem Kuntz and Hines receives conference honors >> https://t.co/35cZfMdzUx

— Tribune-ReviewSports (@TribSports) September 19, 2016

The Steelers also signed rookie former Louisville tight end Mickey Crum, who had 45 catches in college. Earlier Thursday, coach Mike Tomlin gave a lukewarm answer when asked about his tight ends group.

Also released Thursday was cornerback Jermaine Ponder, a former St. Francis (Pa.) standout who was signed last week and played extensively in the Steelers’ preseason opener.

Crum and Kuntz each took part in Thursday’s abbreviated practice that wrapped up camp.

Also on the Steelers’ roster form WPIAL high schools are tight end Kevin Rader of Pine-Richland, safety Dravon Askew-Henry of Aliquippa and cornerback Trevon Mathis of Woodland Hills.

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