The Jacksonville Jaguars signed 2010 fifth-round pick Larry Hart to a contract, the club announced today. Hart, the 143rd overall pick, is the first of the club's six draft picks to sign a contract.
Hart, 6-0, 248, was a two-time conference defensive player of the year as a defensive end at Central Arkansas after he transferred from Holmes Community College. He was the first player in Southland Conference history to be named defensive player of the year in back-to-back seasons and the only player in school history to earn FCS All-America honors twice. He was the first player drafted by the Jaguars from UCA, and the highest-drafted player in school history.
In two seasons at UCA, he recorded 21.5 sacks, 31.5 tackles for loss, 74 tackles and five forced fumbles. He started all 12 games as a senior and finished with 10.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and 12 quarterback pressures. In addition, he led the conference with four forced fumbles and two blocked kicks.
In 2008, Hart ranked second in school history with 12 sacks while his 21 tackles for loss tied for the third-most. He tied the school record with three sacks in two different games and earned first-team Associated Press All-America honors.
A native of Madison, Mississippi, Hart attended Madison Central High School where he was a standout powerlifter and was a three-year letterman in football.
The Jaguars are scheduled to report to training camp on Thursday, July 29 with the first practice set for the following day.
