SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock University offensive tackle Cory Tucker has signed a free agent contract with the Green Bay Packers.

The 6-foot-4, 305-pound right tackle started 48 straight games at that position for SRU. He becomes the first Rock player signed as an undrafted free agent since the Atlanta Falcons picked up offensive lineman Mike Butterworth in 2008.

Tucker said the Packers contacted his agent 45 minutes after the NFL Draft ended Saturday.

“I'm thrilled. This is one of the teams I was interested in,” Tucker said. “Their schemes fit what I do and I feel like I can earn a spot with them.”

While the Packers have a veteran offensive line, Tucker said four of their linemen are in the final year of their contracts.

While his goal is to make Green Bay's 53-man roster, he wouldn't mind a spot on the practice squad, either.

“I would consider that like a red-shirt year,” Tucker said. “When I came to Slippery Rock and red-shirted, it helped me get ready for the next level. An NFL practice squad could do the same thing.”

Tucker spent part of the off-season at a football training performance center in Jackson, Miss., where he worked out with and competed against numerous Division I college players. Pro scouts saw some of his skills there.

“A number of the Division I players told me I was good enough, that I could have played on their teams,” Tucker said. “That made me feel pretty good.”

Tucker sprained an ankle two weeks before a scheduled pro day at Slippery Rock. His first pro day wound up being at Duquesne University, but he could not participate in any running drills.

“NFL teams were interested in him anyway,” retired SRU coach George Mihalik said. “If Cory was able to show how quick and fast he is for a lineman, I think he might have gotten drafted.”

Tucker has been timed at 4.445 seconds in the shuttles and his 40-yard dash time is fast for an offensive lineman.

“It was frustrating not being able to demonstrate that,” he admitted.

Cleveland, Indianapolis and Oakland were among other NFL teams expressing interest in Tucker prior to the draft.

“We're very proud of him,” Mihalik said. “His signing proves, once again, that if a player is willing to put in the work and comitment, the NFL is reachable through this level of college football.

“He's living the dream every young football player has — he's earned a shot in an NFL camp.”

Tucker started 48 games at SRU despite undergoing off-season surgeries and playing hurt at times. He said the Packers have interest in him as a guard or center.

He hasn't played either position.

“I played center a little bit in high school,” Tucker said. “I knew if I had a future in pro football, it'd be at one of those positions. I'm ready for it.”

Tucker was a finalist for the Gene Upshaw Lineman of the Year Award as the best lineman in Division II last season. He finished third overall in the national voting.

He was named an All-American by six different organizations.

“Cory Tucker is a guy that came in here and worked his tail off for his whole career,” SRU head football coach Shawn Lutz said. “He's a guy that reminds you of Brandon Fusco. He came in here undersized and worked relentlessly in the weight room every day to become one of the best players in the country.

“He has earned this chance.”

Tucker reports to the Packers' rookie mini-camp Thursday.