Benny Snell talks Steelers, Chris Rodriguez on KSR

(Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images)

Benny Snell took time out of his busy schedule of youth camps and commercial shoots to call in to today’s KSR, hosted by the Kentucky Football coaches. The former Wildcat discussed a myriad of topics, ranging from expectations for his third season with the Pittsburgh Steelers to one of his successors, Chris Rodriguez. You can listen to the interview at the bottom of this post, but here are three highlights.

Embracing competition in Year Three

Last season, Snell rushed for 368 yards and four touchdowns on 111 carries, stepping up as Pittsburgh’s primary back at times while James Conner was out with injury. The Steelers have added two running backs this offseason, first-round draft pick Najee Harris from Alabama and veteran Kalen Ballage. ESPN listed Snell as a potential roster cut entering training camp, but he told Vince Marrow he’s ready to embrace the competition.

“Honestly, I can say I’m taking it as a part of my journey. I never have settled and been comfortable, you know that. This is my job now, you know. Another thing I keep in mind was the Steelers picked me; I didn’t pick the Steelers so I’m ride and dying about where I’m at. When it’s time to work, it’s time to work. I feel like, even on top of us having Najee, you can just do one back for the whole season and hustle. I definitely know that roads and big time moments are going to come up and I’m going to make sure I’m ready for them. I’m just keeping my head down and working.”

Learning from Big Ben

This summer, Snell said he balanced the Steelers’ OTAs and mini-camp with his own personal training back in Ohio, but prioritized working out with veteran quarterback Benn Roethlisberger whenever he could.

“I know Big Ben wanted to start throwing and getting connections with guys early so I wanted to make sure I was back for that,” Snell said. “I’m locked in to learn and take in any type of knowledge or understanding that he says because he’s been around. He knows what it takes. It’s good to have such a veteran player, like you said, a future Hall-of-Famer on my team and I value that and I take note of that every day.”

“Let [Chris] be Chris”

Current Kentucky running back Chris Rodriguez has been dubbed “Mini-Benny” because of how similar his running style is to Snell’s. Snell said that while he enjoys the comparison, he wants Rodriguez to shine under his own name season, especially as NIL heats up.

“I’m very excited to see him. I know what he can do. He reminds me a lot of myself and he’s going to be a powerhouse. I expect him to make big plays and be humble and be the best Chris he can be. The Mini-Benny thing, it’s like, I’m Benny myself, so I like it, but I want him to have his own legacy. Let him be Chris. Let him come up with his own name so he can do his own thing.”

C-Rod it is.

Thanks to Benny for calling in. Yesterday, he hosted his second annual youth football camp at Georgetown College for about 400 kids ages 6-16. If you and your child missed out, he’s hosting another camp tomorrow at Holmes High School in Covington from 3-7 p.m. Click here to register.