Published: April 27, 2008 11:25 pm      

Legursky headed to the Steel City

Doug Legursky was not drafted, but his versatility still paid off.

Legursky, a 2004 Woodrow Wilson graduate, was contacted by the Pittsburgh Steelers after they made West Virginia safety Eric Mundy their second pick of the sixth round of the NFL draft.

“They didn’t have anymore picks and asked if I was interested,” Legursky said.

The answer was an obvious yes, and Legursky will sign a free-agent deal today to begin a pro career with the five-time Super Bowl champions.

“I’m just excited and relieved,” he said. “I’m ready to get back to work.”

Legursky brings versatility to the Steel City, an attribute that made him especially attractive to the Steelers.

The 6-foot-3, 312-pound former Marshall center can also play either guard position and learned the art of long snapping from another former Herd star, Mike Bartrum.

“I think it’s a great fit for Doug,” said Dave Rich, Legursky’s agent. “He also had offers from Cleveland and New England.

“Phil Kreidler, a scout for the Steelers, saw Doug play at the Hula Bowl. Doug did a good job of convincing them to let him play guard. After watching Doug, Phil said that he was better than the guards on both teams.

“As a guard and a center and now with long snapping, Pittsburgh gives him a better chance to stay.”

Legursky feels he is going into a good situation.

“I’m glad I landed on a team that can use some help on the offensive line,” he said. “That way I can compete and have a chance to add to the team.”

Legursky started 35 consecutive games for the Herd at center. He owns several of the team’s weightlifting records.

There was no word late Sunday night on quarterback Bernard Morris’ status. Morris had been projected as a seventh-round pick or free-agent signee.