Pittsburgh Steelers sign Paso Robles grad 

Mitchell Van Dyk, a 2009 graduate of Paso Robles High School.

The Pittsburgh Steelers added a Paso Robles High School graduate to its offseason roster last week with the addition of seventh round pick offensive tackle Mitchell Van Dyk, according to Behind The Steel Curtain.

The Rams originally drafted the 6-foot-7, 318-pound Portland State (FCS) product with the 226th overall pick, the report says.

“Without digging into too much scouting jargon, the rap on Van Dyk is he’s a badass,” the report says. “Perhaps not the most talented player at his position, he’s described as tough and scrappy, and Nolan Nawrocki suggested in his scouting report he’s ideally suited for a zone blocking scheme,” the report says.

Mitchell Van Dyk, a 2009 Paso Robles High School graduate, was picked in the seventh round of the National Football League draft by the St. Louis Rams in May of last year. He spent three seasons as the starting right tackle for Portland State and led a dynamic offense that broke records for rushing and total offense. Van Dyk was the 226th pick of the 2014 draft.

Last February he competed in front of professional scouts in the College All-Star Bowl on the campus of Furman University in Greenville, S.C. “I’ve played college football for five years, and it was fun making my mark and leaving my legacy,” he told the Paso Robles Daily News before the game. “It’s an accomplishment enough to play in an all-star game. My grandparents, brothers, relatives and friends are all really proud of me. It’s nice how they’ve always been by my side to see me achieve on the field.”

Van Dyk was a three-year starter at Portland State University and named first-team All-Big Sky as an offensive tackle in 2013. This past season, PSU boasted the third-most productive offense at the Football Championship Subdivision level. He anchored an offensive line that helped set school records in total yards (6,486), rushing yards (3,330), rushing average (277.7 per game), total offense (540.5 per game), and rushing touchdowns (36).

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Jill Dubick

11 years ago

Welcome to the 'burgh..

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Cody Wykoff

11 years ago

I've known Mitchell sense he was a kid hanging out with his older brother and it is really amazing to see your buddies little bro playing football with the big boys. Mitchell from everybody at home in paso way to go brother your making everybody so proud back home kick some butt in Pittsburg i might be a cowboys fan but I think my second favorite team just became the steelers great job bud

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Veronica Nevarez-Ulloa

11 years ago

Awesome!

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Alice George

11 years ago

Welcome to the team. Look forward to watching you play.

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Malik Brown

11 years ago

Can he play it not welcome to the team.Wow

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Chuck Deez

11 years ago

I grew up with Mitchell we were in the same grade and he lived right around the corner from my house! Im very proud and honored too say i grew up with my boy mitch! I wish him the best of luck in his oncoming journey he is going too face! I KNOW THAT BEARCAT PRIDE WILL PREVAIL ON THE FIELD AND YOU WILL BE THE FACE OF PASO ROBLES AND THE STEELERS! GO MITCH!

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Sheila Gunn Erb

11 years ago

Congrats! Mitch. Darron and I are so proud of you.

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Ed Railsback

10 years ago

Way to go, neighbor, Paso is proud of your good work and success.

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Ed Railsback

10 years ago

Way to go, neighbor, Paso is proud of your good work and success.

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About the author: News Staff

The news staff of the Paso Robles Daily News wrote or edited this story from local contributors and press releases. The news staff can be reached at info@pasoroblesdailynews.com.