By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor

Former Harmony High receiver Justin Hilton was signed as a free agent by the Cincinnati Bengals following last weekend’s NFL draft.

Hilton, who played for Harmony from 2004-06, was one of 13 free agent signings by the Bengals.

Hilton, 6-3, 195, played for Indiana State the past two seasons and totaled more than 1,200 yards in receptions.

He was timed at 4.52 seconds in the 40-yard dash in pre-draft workouts.

Last season, his 32 catches for 540 yards led the team.

At Butte College, Hilton was named the team’s Wide Receiver of the Year in 2008, when the team won the National Junior College championship.

At Harmony, Hilton was the team’s leading receiver during the 2005-06 seasons with 60 catches for 1,159 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Hilton also had a private workout with the Pittsburgh Steelers before the draft.

He will report to the Bengals rookie camp next week.