ELON, N.C. -- Elon offensive lineman Rodney Austin has agreed to a free agent contract with the Detroit Lions.  Austin becomes the fourth Phoenix player in the last three seasons to get a shot at the NFL.

Austin's senior season was limited to just three games due to an injury, but he was a preseason All-America pick as well as a preseason first-team All-Southern Conference selection prior to the 2011 season.  Following his junior season Austin was named a first-team all-league member by the coaches and was a third-team All-America choice by Phil Steele.  In his four seasons in the maroon and gold Austin appeared in 30 games, making 18 starts.

According to NFL.com, Austin is one of just five undrafted free agents signed by the Lions.