PITTSBURGH — Slippery Rock University cornerback Andre Freeman became a Pittsburgh Steeler on Friday.

The 5-foot-11, 188-pound Freeman actually signed with the team as a free agent Monday, but the contract became official Friday.

“They called me May 5, on my birthday, asking me to come down for a one-day tryout on the final day of rookie mini-camp,” Freeman said. “It was the best birthday gift I could have received.

“I only had one day to show what I could do and they matched me against (2012 seventh-round draft choice) Toney Clemons all day. I thought I did pretty well against him.”

Clemons is a 6-2, 210-pound receiver out of the University of Colorado who grew up in New Kensington and graduated from Valley High School.

Freeman said one play in particular that day earned him the contract.

“It was a third-and-goal play and (defensive coordinator) Dick LeBeau shouted out man-to-man coverage, bump and run. I love to play that style,” Freeman said.

“The ball was being thrown to Clemons, but the pass was in the air and I had him jammed at the line. Coach LeBeau winked at me after the play. I know that’s what got me signed.”

Freeman’s agent is Eddie Edwards, who is partners in business with former Steeler defensive back Dwayne Woodruff.

“That’s how the Steelers knew about me,” Freeman said.

SRU defensive backs coach Jason Makrinos referred to Freeman as “the best cornerback in all of Division II” over the past two seasons.

“He loves the physical side of the game and he is a lock-down corner,” the coach said. “The numbers are in his favor with Pittsburgh. Besides Ike Taylor, they don’t have much experience at that position.”

Taylor is a 10-year veteran and Keenan Lewis has been in the league four years. William Gay, the Steelers’ other starting corner last season, signed with Arizona as a free agent.

The only other corners on the roster are second-year pro Cortez Allen and rookies Terrance Frederick and Terry Carter.

Freeman rejoins the Steelers May 22 for the start of the full team’s mini-camp.

“That’s when the veterans will be here and I’ll find out what I’m made of,” he said. “I’m very confident I can make this 53-man roster. I know I can contribute on special teams.”

Freeman blocked two kicks during his sophomore year at The Rock. He was fifth on the team with 45 tackles that year and started nine games.

As a junior, Freeman started all 11 games, was fourth on the team with 66 tackles, led the team with eight pass break-ups, forced two fumbles and recovered two, returning one for a touchdown.

“Andre is a fierce competitor who always covered the opponent’s top receiver,” SRU coach George Mihalik said. “He’s very aggressive in terms of coming up to the line and making a hit on somebody.

“He wanted an opportunity to make an NFL roster and he got one. I’m happy for him.”

Freeman played just seven games his senior year at SRU. The Penn Hills graduate and freshman transfer from Division I Hofstra was suspended for the final four games of the year for violation of team rules. He made 23 tackles and had one interception.

“I carried on too much with the partying ... considered myself a star at SRU instead of taking care of business,” Freeman said. “I embarrassed my family, myself and the organization.

“That was something I had to go through, something I had to learn. It was my fault, but I’m a better person for it today.”

Freeman became the second SRU player to join an NFL team as a free agent. Wide receiver Devin Goda signed with the Baltimore Ravens the day after the draft.

“I never thought of that ... Freeman could be covering Goda in a pro game. That would be something,” Mihalik said.