RICHMOND, Ky. – Former Eastern Kentucky University football stand-out Derek Hardman signed a free agent deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as announced by the NFL team yesterday.

Hardman, an offensive tackle from Spencer, W.Va., was a four-year starter for the Colonels and helped EKU win two Ohio Valley Conference championships (2007, 2008). The two-time first team All-OVC pick made the move from right tackle to left tackle before the start of his junior season. He concluded his collegiate career by starting 46 consecutive games on the offensive line.

As a senior, Hardman earned first team AP All-American accolades and went on to play in the Texas vs. the Nation senior all-star game in February.

Hardman earned his bachelor’s degree in business in December 2008 and is also a member of EKU’s Chi Alpha Sigma National Athletic Honor Society.

Hardman was one of four offensive linemen signed by Tampa Bay following the 2010 NFL Draft.

There are currently two former EKU players active on NFL rosters – defensive back Yeremiah Bell with the Miami Dolphins and defensive back Antwaun Molden with the Houston Texans.