After the Steelers started training camp last week, the team had their first day off on Monday. Jack Hillgrove was at Training Camp and tells us what’s in store for the Black and Gold this week in Latrobe.
Steelers Training Camp week one officially in the books. The Team was off Monday, but as Tuesday practice rolls around, for the first time this Summer the team will put on the pads. And its safe to say these guys are fired up for full contact.
The first padded practice at St. Vincent set for Tuesday at 10:30 am. Live reps. Full pads. More “Football like” reps as Mike Tomlin likes to say. But for some position groups, the physicality is always there, whether the pads are on or not. Steelers Rookie Offensive Tackle Troy Fautanu saying: “Honestly, it would be easier in pads because I’m not getting hit in my chest without pads on. But honestly, I just treat it like I do have pads on. But also being professional and knowing how to practice at this level.”
Full pads means the return of backs on backers. Perhaps the most intense drill the Steelers run at St. Vincent. As a first year Linebacker in Pittsburgh, Patrick Queen has heard the stories and seen the video of the drill, and is excited for Tuesday to become apart of it. Steelers Middle Lineback Patrick Queen saying: “Listen, I’ve seen the clips from afar, and now being here with all the talk about it from the fans, that’s what everyone wants to see. So, we’ll give them a show.”
Full pads also a great opportunity for the Wide Receivers and the Defensive Backs to ramp up the competition. And as question marks still loom in both rooms, Veteran Receiver Van Jefferson says that competition and jawing back and forth will be beneficial for both sides. Van Jefferson, who is heading into his 1st season in Pittsburgh saying: “Its always, you know, exciting to get the pads on. There’s gonna be a lot of trash talking, a lot of guys competing. That’s what you want. You got a great group of DBs that you need to compete against. A lot of guys out there that you’d like to compete with. Its gonna be fun next week and were excited.”
Practice is Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week from 10:30 to 12:30 at St. Vincent College. On Friday is the annual Friday Night Lights practice from Latrobe Memorial Stadium, getting underway at 7pm.