PITTSBURGH — For record-setting Slippery Rock University quarterback Roland Rivers III, it was all about trusting the process.

The process didn't let him down.

Rivers agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday night following the NFL draft's conclusion and will report to the team's rookie mini-camp May 13.

“The pandemic took away opportunities for free agent rookies last year,” Rivers said. “I had to decide whether to go do something else or continue chasing my dream.

“I chose to continue chasing my dream. It feels good that all of my hard work paid off.

“I'm not guaranteed a spot on the training camp roster. Minicamp goes for four or five days. It's up to me to show them what I can do,” Rivers added.

He did plenty at SRU, throwing 80 touchdown passes in 26 games, rushing for 700 yards and nine scores his senior season, setting school and NCAA Division II records and winning the Harlon Hill Trophy as the best player in Division II along the way.

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Rivers becomes the fifth quarterback on the Steelers roster, joining Ben Roethlisberger, Mason Rudolph, Dwayne Haskins and Josh Dobbs.

“I think he's better than all of those guys except for Big Ben,” SRU head coach Shawn Lutz. “Yeah, I think Roland is that good.

“All he's wanted was a chance. Now he's got one. I can't describe how happy I am for him.”

Rivers was able to impress Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert at Penn State's Pro Day earlier this year. Rivers was invited there to throw passes to Nittany Lion tight end Pat Friermuth, a draft prospect.

The Steelers wound up selecting Friermuth in the second round Friday night.

“I had a long talk with Coach Tomlin and Kevin Colbert after that workout,” Rivers said in recalling his visit to Penn State. “They told me they liked me and would be in touch.”

Lutz said Tomlin called him after the draft, looking for Rivers' phone number.

“Coach Tomlin told me he really liked Roland's leadership qualities and athleticism,” Lutz said. “They wanted to bring him in for a look.

“Roland will do everything he can to make this work. He's facing some long odds, but I know how badly he wants this.”

Rivers said he received “inquiries” from other teams, but the Steelers were clearly his preference.

“I've loved that team, that organization since I was 9 or 10 years old,” he said. “I've had a Ben Roethlisberger Fathead on the wall of my bedroom for years.

“I have so much respect for his game, the way he knows how to make plays and win. I've patterned my game after his all my life.”

Rivers is believed to be the first SRU quarterback to get into an NFL camp. He will become the seventh Rock player since 2015 and the 10th since 2011 to appear in one.

The last Rock player to reach the NFL was running back Wes Hills, who scored two touchdowns in his league debut with the Detroit Lions in 2019. Hills is now playing in the Canadian Football League.

“Roland's got the physical attributes,” Lutz said. “He's such a competitor. He wills himself to make big plays in big moments. That has nothing to do with coaching. That's just him.

“That guy brings a lot to the table.”

Rivers said he's grateful for the opportunity he's getting with the Steelers.

“I'm humbled by it,” he said. “Each team in the NFL can only bring in a few guys to rookie mini-camp. They think enough of me to make me one of those guys.

“I can't wait to be coached by NFL coaches. All I want to do is get in there, learn the playbook as quickly as possible and let my natural talent take over.

“I want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler for 10 years, 12 years, finding ways to help them win. I believe I can make that a reality,” he added.