Midwestern State’s Tyrique Edwards is hit out of bounds by Tarleton’s Devin Hafford Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at Memorial Stadium. The Mustangs lost in overtime to the Texans 35-34 after a missed field goal. (Lauren Roberts/Times Record News)

The Patriots are restoring some depth to their secondary. They officially announced Sunday that they’re re-signing defensive back Devin Hafford, who had previously joined New England as an undrafted free agent.

Hafford played college ball at Tarleton State in Stephenville, Texas, a Division I FCS school in the Western Athletic Conference. The Patriots signed Hafford as an undrafted rookie on May 9, before releasing him on May 16.

Hafford suffered a season-ending injury during his senior year in 2019, receiving a medical hardship waiver. As a result, he returned for a redshirt senior season in 2020 and a full senior year in 2021.

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He completed quite the comeback story, earning WAC Defensive Player of the Year honors after racking up six interceptions, 13 pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, and 50 total tackles in 11 games. He was also named a second team FCS All-American by the Associated Press.

Hafford was an accomplished college player even before his senior year, with a second team All-American distinction as a junior. He was also a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award, given annually to the best small college defensive player in the nation.

Between his two stints with the Patriots, Hafford spent time with the Pittsburgh Maulers of the recently revived United States Football League (USFL).

Listed at 5-foot-10 and 200 pounds on the Patriots’ website, Hafford would bring a heavier frame to the cornerback room than the likes of Malcolm Butler, Shaun Wade, or rookie Jack Jones. He also outweighs projected starting corners Jalen Mills (6 feet, 191 pounds) and Terrance Mitchell (6 feet, 190 pounds). Because of his body type and pedigree as a tackler, Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick may ultimately view him as more of a safety.

Hafford is listed on the Pats’ roster with jersey No. 43, so it’s possible he appears in that number on the practice fields in Foxboro on Monday. The Patriots have an open practice Monday morning, joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday and Wednesday, and their second preseason game of 2022 against the Panthers on Friday night at Gillette Stadium.

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Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.