Steelers sign former Clemson QB

PITTSBURGH — Former Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd has landed a job with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers added Boyd to their offseason roster on Friday. Boyd was taken by the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 2014 draft but was cut during training camp. The 24-year-old Boyd passed for 11,904 yards and 107 touchdowns in four seasons at Clemson. He ran for 1,165 yards and 26 touchdowns during his career with the Tigers.

The signing reunites Boyd with Clemson teammate and current Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant. The two played together for the Tigers from 2011-13.

NCAA proposed football rule change

The NCAA playing rules oversight panel tabled a proposal Friday to change the illegal man downfield rule from 3 yards to 1 because it did not get enough feedback from head coaches.

The football rules committee proposed last month to shorten the distance offensive linemen can move forward from the line of scrimmage before a pass is thrown to make it easier for officials to spot violations.

The proposed change drew complaints from offensive coaches who have become adept at deceiving defenses by using run blocking on plays that give quarterbacks the option to pass or run.

Auburn coach Gus Malzahn and Mississippi coach Hugh Freeze were among a group of coaches who asked rules committee chairman Troy Calhoun to table the proposal.

Defensive coaches have been frustrated by the lack of illegal man down field penalties on so-called packaged plays.

Phelps tunes up for return in Texas

AUSTIN, Texas — With a month to go until his six-month suspension for a second drunken driving arrest ends, Michael Phelps is getting in some racing even if it’s just an exhibition.

Phelps swam the 100-yard butterfly in 44.91 seconds Friday before the American Short Course Championships got underway.

It was the first time the 18-time Olympic champion had gone under 45 seconds in the event.

His previous best was 45.40 in 2008 at a Grand Prix meet. If his time had counted, it would have been good enough for 10th-fastest ever.

From wire reports