By WESLEY HALLMAN / Sports Editor

Former Spain Park High School football standout Adam Mims has signed an undrafted free agent contract with the National Football League’s Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mims, who wrapped up a record-setting career at Furman University in 2010, will join the team in time for the start of training camp, scheduled for Thursday, July 28 at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa. The first practice for the Steelers, who won the American Football Conference championship last season, is set for Friday, July 29.

Mims, a 5-foot-9, 198-pound wide receiver, received interest from several NFL teams leading up to the 2011 NFL Draft in April but he couldn’t sign an undrafted free agent contract with any teams during the league lockout, which ended July 25, after going undrafted.

“It’s been a long wait but worth it,” Mims said. “I’ve been more than blessed with the opportunity to play football, and I’ve tried to develop the talent God has given me. I’m very happen right now to be a Steeler.”

A consensus All-Southern Conference selection in 2010, Mims caught 55 passes for 724 yards and five touchdowns to finish his career as Furman’s all-time leader in receptions with 198 catches and receiving yards with 2,433. Mims’ 13 touchdown receptions rank fifth in school history.

Mims caught a career-high 10 passes for 202 yards in the Paladins’ loss to South Carolina in 2010.

Mims caught 67 passes for 1,051 yards and 11 touchdowns, while also rushing for 473 yards and four touchdowns, during his senior season at Spain Park under former coach Vince DiLorenzo in 2006.

Mims led the Jaguars with 39 receptions, 617 receiving yards and seven touchdown receptions during his senior season. He also played basketball and participated in track & field at Spain Park.

Mims becomes the second Spain Park player to join the Steelers. Former Jaguar Tyler Grisham has spent the past two seasons on the Steelers’ practice squad following a standout career at Clemson University.