Former Troy State linebacker Jimmy McClain signed a free-agent contract with the National Football League’s Houston Texans on Monday.

The 6-foot-1, 221-pound Enterprise native had free-agent offers from more than six NFL teams after being passed over in this past weekend’s NFL Draft. McClain said he eventually selected the Texas, who will play their first season this fall, because the first-year franchise is currently experiencing a shortage of player at his position.

"It all came down to Houston only having three linebackers on their roster right now," McClain said. "I really liked Tampa Bay, but they have 10 linebackers on their roster. I felt like signing with Houston would give me a better chance."

McClain was a three-year starter for the Trojans, compiling 307 career tackles and 41 quarterback pressures. In 2001, McClain ranked fourth on the team with 83 total stops and had seven tackles for loss.

McClain will jump into action this week when he travels to Houston for the team’s first mini-camp on Friday and Saturday.

"I’m excited," McClain said. "But I also know I have a lot of work to do."

Other Troy State players expected to sign as NFL free agents this week include running back Demontray Carter and linebacker Ben Waldrop.