TAMPA -- Former USF offensive lineman Ryan Schmidt signed a free agent deal with the Tennessee Titans late Sunday evening. The Boca Raton native will travel to Nashville for rookie mini camp on Thursday.

Schmidt transferred to USF from Kansas State and had an immediate impact on the team.  Schmidt started 25 of the 25 career games he played in green and gold, working at guard and tackle.

The 6-5 mauler was named second team All-BIG EAST by various organizations following the 2007 and 2008 seasons.

Schmidt graded out among the best offensive lineman on the team at 69 percent on the season with 63 knockdowns, which was third best on the team.  He recorded a season-best 14 knockdowns against FIU.  Schmidt also had 13 knockdowns against Rutgers and graded out at 70 percent or higher against UT-Martin, UCF, Kansas, NC State, Syracuse and UConn.

Schmidt joins former teammates Matt Huners and Taurus Johnson as players that have quickly signed free-agent deals after the NFL Draft.  Huners signed with the San Francisco 49ers. Johnson inked with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Linebacker Tyrone McKenzie was drafted in the third round by the New England Patriots.  He is the first player in USF history to be taken in the third round and went at the third highest position in program history.