Russell Wilson praises Steelers receiving corps at training camp
Russell Wilson reported Wednesday to training camp looking nothing like a high-dollar quarterback. He was wearing gym shorts and a Steelers t-shirt.
He had a backpack slung over his left shoulder. Wilson carried the all-important Steelers playbook with his right hand. He came back out to speak to the media, when he name checked just about every receiver and tight end on the team. He even gave a shout out to the running backs, while gushing over his offensive linemen. Always, always mention the linemen.
“We’ve got a lot of playmakers, really excited,” said the new Steelers quarterback. GP (George Pickens) is a special player because he can do a lot of great things, just watching the film, training with him, throwing with him, seeing all those things he can do.”
It was then Calvin Austin’s turn. He’s “been amazing, all off season, just watching his speed, his ability to get in and out of routes,” Wilson said. Van Jefferson, says the quarterback, impressed him with “his diligence.”
Wilson and seven other Steelers spent time in San Diego last week in a group bonding session. All four quarterbacks were there. Just like Wilson, they’re all new. So Justin Fields, Kyle Allen and John Rhys Plumlee needed to be on hand. Others who were there — Roman Wilson, Jefferson and Austin along with tight end Connor Heyward.
Wait, Russell Wilson still had more Steelers to laud
Wilson mentioned more Steelers.
“I’ve spent a lot of time in the off season, just throwing … watching guys like Quez Watkins … I’m excited for (rookie) Roman Wilson, see what he can do. He’s a guy who has been a champion in college. It’s one thing to do at the highest level of college, it’s another thing to do it at the highest level of the NFL. I think he has that mentality, wanting to be that every day.
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“There’s a lot of other guys, too. Marquez Calloway is fighting … a lot of other great players.”
He didn’t forget about the tight ends, either. “i think we have a great tight end room. Pat Freiermuth, he’s a guy I’ve watched over the years. His ability to get in and out (of routes) make catches, contested catches on third downs, you know I’m excited about that to do that with him.”
Wait, there are more Steelers tight ends. Wilson gushed over two more.
“A guy who I think is a dark horse player, one of the most talented guys who can play any sport is Connor Heyward. Just watching him, he was hanging out with us in San Diego, throwing with him, all the back shoulders … he can do it all, man. Just think this guy is a tremendous football player.”
Then there’s a fan favorite from Georgia. “I’m excited to see big Darnell Washington. I don’t know how big he is, he looks like he’s 6-9. He looks like he should be playing for the U.S. Men’s basketball team. He’s just a freak athlete so we want to get him the ball, too. Right now, there’s just a plethora of guys that can make plays.”
You can’t forget the Steelers running backs. Wilson won’t. “I’m excited for Najee Harris and Jaylen (Warren), too. Those guys kept coming out of the backfield, running downhill. It all starts with the offensive line, those guys up front.”
Practice starts Thursday.