JONESBORO (4/28/08) - The Carolina Panthers announced Monday they have agreed to terms with undrafted college free agent Darren Toney (Lake Village, Ark.), who completed his outstanding career as a cornerback on the Arkansas State football team last season.

Toney was one of 10 undrafted college free agents the Panthers agreed to terms with and will participate at the team's upcoming mini-camp, Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 4 at Bank of America Stadium.  Each player will have to pass a physical and sign a contract before practicing in the mini-camp.

Despite missing four games in 2007 with an injury, Toney still posted two interceptions for 32 yards and a touchdown, 27 tackles, four pass break-ups, 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack.  He recorded a career-high eight tackles against Florida International and 21 tackles over ASU's final four games.  He was part of a defensive backfield that ranked No. 2 in the Sun Belt Conference and 19th in the nation in pass defense.

Toney completed his four-year career with 95 tackles and six interceptions for 111 yards.  He finished his career ranked second at Arkansas State and third in Sun Belt Conference history for kickoff return yards with 1,513 to his credit.  He was named the Sun Belt Conference Special Teams Player of the Week twice during his career.

He posted career-best numbers of 39 tackles and three interceptions in 2006 as a junior.  Toney joins over 90 other all-time Arkansas State players that have signed pro contracts with an NFL franchise.  While fullback Oren O'Neal and safety Tyrell Johnson were both taken in the 2007 and 2008 NFL Drafts, respectively, Toney becomes the first ASU player to sign a free agent contract with an NFL franchise since running back Shermar Bracey, quarterback Nick Noce and running back Antonio Warren all signed in 2006.