LATROBE, Pa. -- It was the first day in pads for the Steelers on Sunday and that meant it was time for a backs-on-backers drill to kick things off.
While it wasn't as spirited as it has gotten in some previous years, there were some surprises, stars and disappointments.
Ola Adeniyi, the second-year linebacker out of Toledo, proved to be a guy none of the running backs or tight ends could block, certainly not on a consistent basis.
In eight reps working against Travon McMillan, Benny Snell and Jaylen Samuels, Adeniyi got to the quarterback seven times using a variety of pass rush moves. Snell battled him to a draw on another attempt.
"I want to be a household name," he said following the practice.
At 6-foot-1, 248 pounds, Adeniyi has some similarities to James Harrison, and not just because he's also wearing No. 92. He can use power, speed or whatever it takes to get to the quarterback.
"Ola's been flashing and showing some burst," Mike Tomlin said. "It's been good competition between him and (Jerald Hawkins). Good young outside linebacker, offensive tackle competition."
Adeniyi opened camp as the second-team right outside linebacker behind Bud Dupree, so he hasn't gotten many reps against the first-team offense. But if he keeps doing what he's doing, that could change when the coaching staff tests him to see if he can make plays against quality offensive linemen.
"I'm just being patient, doing whatever I need to do; second team, third team, whatever I need to do to get that opportunity. I'll be ready for it," Adeniyi said.
• James Conner and Samuels struggled with pass protection in their rookie seasons. But Snell appears to have a pretty good knack for it.
Tomlin tested him with Tyler Matekevich first and Snell stoned the fourth-year inside linebacker both times.
Ben Roethlisberger, who took Sunday off -- along with a number of other veterans when it came to the contact drills -- was impressed.
"Nice job, Benny, nice job!" Roethlisberger yelled after Snell stuffed Matakevich a second time.
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