Former Pirate Mahelona hooks on with Dolphins

Former Orange Coast College football star Jesse Mahelona signed as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday.

Mahelona, a 6-foot, 310-pound defensive tackle, was released by the Tennessee Titans Sept. 11. He was drafted in the fifth round by the Titans in the 2006 draft.

The former University of Tennessee standout, 24, had 21 tackles and one sack in 10 games as a rookie in 2006.

Mahelona became expendable in Tennessee when the Titans signed former All-Pro Corey Simon on Aug. 28.

Mahelona had 77 tackles, seven sacks and 26 1/2 tackles for loss in two seasons with the Tennessee Volunteers.

He signed a three-year contract with the Titans after being the 169th overall selection.

The Hawaii native was an all-state performer at OCC as a freshman, but missed most of his sophomore season after breaking his right foot.

The Dolphins (0-6) play host to New England (6-0) Sunday.

— From staff reports