FAIRMONT —
Luke Black has taken the next step in his pro football career.
After attending camps with two NFL teams, the former Fairmont State University standout has signed a contract with the Cincinnati Bengals.
It is Black’s first NFL deal.
A 6-5, 280-pound defensive end from Marietta, Ohio, Black went undrafted this spring but quickly accepted an invitation to the Green Bay Packers minicamp held in May. Not soon after, he attended a rookie camp/tryout with the Dallas Cowboys, but in both instances did not receive a contract at the end of camp.
Black, who will wear No. 91, the same number he donned at FSU, will serve as depth for the Bengals with starters Carlos Dunlap and Robert Geathers expected to miss the rest of training camp.
A rare four-year starter at FSU from 2007-11, Black finished his college career with 149 total tackles and ranks in the top 10 in school history in career sacks (20) and career tackles for losses (37).
Black, who is a two-time first-team All-West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selection, graduated from FSU in May with a degree in graphic technology.
Black’s two older brothers — Vince and Nate — also starred at Fairmont State.
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FSU’s Black signs with Bengals
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