Steelers Rookie Could Become a Special-Teams Star
The Steelers chose cornerback Donte Kent in the seventh round of this year’s NFL Draft. He’s a Pennsylvania native and was born in Harrisburg. He graduated from Harrisburg High School and played college football for the Central Michigan Chippewas. Kent was named First-team All-Mid-American Conference in 2022. He was named Second-team All-MAC in 2023 and 2024, which provides him a chance to become the Steelers’ next special-teams star.
During his time with Central Michigan, he played in 53 games, starting in 48. Kent amassed 234 tackles, two interceptions, 47 pass breakups, and 49 passes defended throughout his collegiate football career. He also had two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and a blocked kick. In the 2024 season, he was a special-teams asset and returned 16 punts for 217 yards and one touchdown. The player ranked third in the MAC and fifth in the NCAA in average punt return yardage, 13.6 yards per return. He maintained a starting cornerback role, finishing with 53 tackles, and is among the quickest rookies in the NFL this year. Kent’s 40-yard dash time is 4.38 seconds, and his impressive 40-yard dash time is one of the factors that led to the Steelers selecting him in the draft.
Kent’s abilities are catching the attention of Dallas Cowboys star edge rusher Micah Parsons. Parsons played football with Kent at Harrisburg High School. Parsons and Kent recently worked out together in Harrisburg. Parsons spoke about his workout with Kent. He said, “He was always ferocious, bro… He’s going to be really ready. I am excited to see where he is at, and I kind of gave him some tips. Especially as a seventh-rounder. He’s got a lot to prove, but I think his hunger, his drive, is going to show why he’s going to make that roster.”
Steelers general manager Omar Khan also speaks highly of Kent. Khan recently appeared on “The Standard,” a Steelers series that goes behind the scenes with the team. “The Standard” is available on the Steelers website and YouTube. Khan stated, “Donte [Kent], we spent a significant amount of time studying his film, looking at his production — not only on the defensive side, but also on special teams. And the more we watched him, the more excited we got about him. Solid character. Again, another guy who’s got a really good opportunity, and we expect him to contribute sooner rather than later.”
Kent spoke about his ball-hawk traits. He said, “I just have a dawg mentality. That ball is my ball. My mindset is I’m going to go make a play on the football every pass thrown my way.” The Steelers typically don’t have plans for their seventh-round draft picks. However, they have high expectations for Kent. Kent has the qualities necessary to become a special-teams leader. His versatility, speed, playing mentality, and leadership abilities will be an asset to the team.
