pittsburghsportsdailybulletin – Page 37 – Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

Exclusive with Steelers Camp Invite, Linebacker Johnny Buchanan

First, can you let us know how you get invited to camp by the Steelers?

It’s been an interesting path to get here. I thought I was in a good position to get drafted or at least get signed as an undrafted free agent coming out of Delaware, but it just didn’t happen for me.

My agent told me about a number of camp invites I had and we sifted through them. I went to the Eagles camp and that went well. I just got onto the Steelers’ radar recently – I think they watched some film recently and liked what they saw. The Steelers play defense the way I like to play defense. I grew up watching them as a kid – I watched the Steelers-Ravens games and loved the way they played defense.

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Exclusive with Steelers Camp Tryout, Defensive Lineman Gabe Oladipo

First, can you let me know how the invite to camp occurred for you considering the fact you haven’t actually played at the college level?

The entire process has been a blessing. Football was always in the cards – I come from a football family. My dad – Gabe Sr. – he played in the NFL, and my uncle did too.

I was a successful track athlete – as an athlete I was always confident in my ability. I didn’t get the opportunity to play in college though I was on the team at Texas Tech my Senior year. I took it as far as I could and believe I have the talent to take it to the next level in the NFL.

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Exclusive with Steelers Camp Invite, Defensive Lineman Tyler Tate

First off, how did you get on the Steelers radar for the invite – what did they tell you?

I had a workout last Monday and after that my agent called me and let me know the Steelers wanted to bring me in for a tryout. I guess they watched some film on me. I put up some good numbers at Millersville and I just think that caught their interest.

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Exclusive with Steelers Camp Invite, Duquesne Wide Receiver Dwayne Menders

First off – how did the tryout opportunity come about for you?

I’ve been training for a couple of months now here in Miami – I’m from here. I had a lot of interest before the draft from teams – Miami, Packers, Vikings, Texans, Jaguars, Bears and the Steelers all showed interest.

At my pro day the Steelers stayed and talked to me for a while. Casey Weidl and Phil Kreidler told me they liked my elusiveness, speed and the way I ran routes.

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2023 Post-Draft Positional Battles – Offense

Quarterback:

Hunter Johnson (camp invite), Tanner Morgan, Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky

Pickett is the starter, Trubisky the backup. No mystery here. Currently the battle for the third spot is between camp tryout Hunter Johnson of Clemson and UDFA signing Tanner Morgan from Minnesota. Morgan has the clear edge in my opinion – he won’t make anyone forget Kenny Pickett. He has good experience with the RPO and can make plays with his legs – he’s just not a consistently accurate QB. Johnson, after transferring last year to Clemson from Northwestern got few snaps. He’d have to shock many in camp to make a roster.

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2023 Post-Draft Positional Battles – Defense/Special Teams

Outside Linebacker:

Emeke Egbule, Nate Herbig, Alex Highsmith, David Perales, Quincy Roche, Tyler Tate (camp tryout), T.J. Watt

Watt and Highsmith are your starters. Herbig as a 4th round pick is going to get every chance to secure a backup spot here. The question is can he play high-reps at OLB at his size – if not, do they make him a pass-rush/specialist type player or move him inside? For now, I’m going to slot him in as a backup OLB. That’s what the Steelers are doing.

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Exclusive with Steelers Running Back/Return Specialist Jordan Byrd

First off, why sign with Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent?

During the process leading up to the draft I had an amazing Zoom call with the coaches and their special teams coach especially – Danny Smith. I think we really connected well. They talked about how they wanted to use me on special teams and I am really looking forward to that – to contribute in that role.

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Exclusive with Steelers Safety Kenny Robinson

First, excited to get in the building and start working on? What has the offseason been like for you – what did you do/work on?

It’s been good – it’s been refreshing to be in a new place with a new opportunity. Just to be in the Steelers building and getting to know guys and figuring out the way things work here.

Right now we’re all still trying to get to know each other and figure out our way around the building. I’m just looking to come in and work and earn a spot and get on the 53.

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Exclusive with Steelers Linebacker Tanner Muse

First, how have the past couple of days been – any surprises?

Well I drove up from North Carolina and have been working out with the guys in the Steelers facility since last Sunday. There’s a ton of great energy here – lot’s of good guys – and all very welcoming.

It’s been business as usual so far – installing the base packages and meeting the guys. It’s been good to get to know my teammates. Some have been friends of friends so it’s been good to connect with them.

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Exclusive with Steelers Linebacker Chapelle Russell

First, can you let us know what the offseason has been like for you?

The offseson has been going well. Honestly I’ve been focusing on staying in a rhythm and staying consistent. That’s the biggest thing for me. There’s always a lot of outside stuff going on – I just wanted to stay locked in on the main thing – football. You have a lot of freedom in the offseason with open schedules.

So for me, I just spent time with my family, worked and stayed humble. This is a big season for me – and for the Steelers. I want to be a part of it.

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