Offensive lineman Shawn McMackin and defensive back Stephen Tate, both 2008 Hofstra graduates, have signed free agent contracts with National Football League teams recently. McMackin signed with the New York Jets while Tate signed with the Washington Redskins.

McMackin, a four-year letterman, was a two-year starter for the Pride playing in all 22 games and starting 19 in 2006 and 2007. He anchored the offensive line in 2007 which protected the Hofstra passing attack that ranked 26th in the nation. The versatile River Vale, New Jersey native has played at tackle, guard and center during his 31-game Pride career.

Tate, also a four-year letterman, played in all 11 games on special teams and in the secondary in 2007. The Centreville, Virginia native recorded 20 solo tackles and 13 assisted stops for the 7-4 Pride last season. Tate had three pass deflections, picked off passes against Massachusetts and Stony Brook, and tallied nine tackles against UMass and eight against Stony Brook. During his four-year Hofstra career, he played in 42 of the 44 games and recorded 66 solo tackles, 57 assisted stops and four interceptions.

McMackin and Tate are the second and third 2008 Hofstra graduates to sign NFL free agent contracts. Defensive back Kyle Arrington signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in April.

In related news, 2007 Hofstra graduate Shaine Smith has signed a free agent contract with the St. Louis Rams. Smith, who led the Pride with 60 receptions for 951 yards and nine touchdowns in 2006, originally signed as a free agent with the Rams in April, 2007. He was released late in the 2007 season and picked up by the New York Jets last December.

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