The New York Giants signed Matt Maddox, a four-year starter at offensive guard for Illinois, to a contract on Tuesday. Maddox becomes the third member of the Illini 2006 senior class to ink a deal with an NFL team.

Teammates Alan Ball and Pierre Thomas also joined NFL clubs. Ball was drafted in the seventh round by the Dallas Cowboys, while Thomas, like Maddox, was signed by as an undrafted free agent, agreeing to terms with the New Orleans Saints.

Maddox played both guard and center during his tenure at Illinois and was twice named Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman. During his first season starting with the Illini in 2003, Maddox was a Freshman All-American.

The New Jersey native started 45 consecutive games for the Illini and helped anchor a line that led the Big Ten in rushing in 2006 with 188.8 yards per game.