JONESBORO (4/26/09) - The Super Bowl XLIII champion Pittsburgh Steelers selected former Arkansas State standout tight end David Johnson (Pine Bluff) with the 32nd pick in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft on Sunday.

Johnson became the 41st ASU player to ever be selected in the NFL Draft.  Johnson is the third ASU player to be drafted over the last three years, along with fullback Oren O'Neal in 2007 and safety Tyrell Johnson in 2008.  The last time ASU had at least one player taken in the NFL Draft in three consecutive years was 1989-91.

Over 90 all-time Arkansas State players have signed pro contracts with an NFL franchise.

Johnson was named to the 2008 All-Sun Belt Conference Team after catching 22 passes for 356 yards and a 16.2 yard average per reception.  His five touchdown receptions led ASU and tied the fifth most in school history for a single season.  His 16.2 yards per reception was higher than eight of the top-10 SBC leaders in receiving yards.  He caught at least one pass in 10 of ASU's 12 games and posted season-high numbers of four receptions (twice), 87 yards and two touchdowns (twice).

For his career, he recorded 45 receptions, 760 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns.  His nine touchdown receptions tied the sixth most in school history.  Also an outstanding blocker, Johnson has helped the ASU offense to a No. 2 ranking in the Sun Belt Conference in rushing offense and No. 18 ranking nationally.