August 08, 2015 - Aaron Wilson
Source: Browns signing former Morgan State corner Joe Rankin
Former Morgan State cornerback Joe Rankin is joining the Cleveland Browns, according to a league source.
Rankin auditioned for the Ravens at their local prospects day last year and their rookie minicamp and also participated in the NFL super regional combine at the Detroit Lions' Ford Field.
Rankin ran the 40-yard dash in the range of 4.4 to 4.5 seconds and bench pressed 225 pounds 15 times at his Pro Day.
Rankin intercepted 13 career passes for his career, two short of tying Joe Fowlkes' school record.
Against Delaware State last season, Rankin had eight solo tackles, an interception and blocked an extra point and a field goal. He finished the season with 57 tackles, three for losses, three interceptions and a forced fumble.
As a junior, the second-team all-conference selection had five interceptions, 11 pass deflections, 46 tackles and a blocked field goal. He also intercepted three passes as a sophomore.
Rankin played high school football at Seneca Valley, where he intercepted seven passes as a junior and returned three for touchdowns. As a senior, he led the team in rushing and kick return yardage.
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Aaron Wilson covers the Texans for The Houston Chronicle