NEW YORK – Former Northwest defensive tackle Tarow Barney is getting his shot in the NFL, signing as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets on Saturday at the conclusion of the draft. 

"I'm very excited for the opportunity the Jets are giving me and blessed that I was given a chance," Barney said. "I'm going to make the best of my opportunity and work hard every day. I had a great experience on and off the field at Penn State and they molded me into a better player, especially my defensive line coach Sean Spencer."

A native of Bainbridge, Ga., and Bainbridge High School, Barney (6-3/305) played the 2012-13 seasons in Senatobia and was rated a 4-star prospect by 247sports.com and the No. 3 DT in the 2014 class.

Barney finished the 2013 season with 36 tackles, 9.5 tackles-for-loss, 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble and five quarterback hurries and had 20 tackles and four hurries as a freshman in 2012.

He continued his career at Penn State, choosing the Nittany Lions over offers from Kansas State, Arizona State, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa State and numerous others. He also received heavy interest from Alabama.

In 25 career games at PSU, Barney finished with 16 tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss and 2.5 sacks.

One of the strongest players on the team, Barney did 31 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press at Penn State's pro day. He also ran a 4.99 40-yard dash and had a broad jump of 9 feet 5 inches.

Barney adds to a long list of former Rangers to get their opportunity in the NFL. Click here for a complete list.

Photo courtesy of PennLive.com.