The Steelers' veteran players reported for their first coronavirus test on Tuesday as NFL teams across the league opened what will serve as training camps in 2020.
For the rookie class, they've already gone through their initial testing -- three times in four days -- and have been waiting patiently for the rest of the team to join them.
OK, somewhat patiently.
"I’m itching for it. Since the moment I got drafted, I’ve wanted to get up here," rookie linebacker Alex Highsmith said Tuesday via a Zoom call. "Now that I’m finally here it’s awesome. I can’t wait to put on pads and get out there with the guys, to work and help us win a championship. It’s been a long time coming."
It's going to take just a bit longer. Because of protocols put in place by the league to help ensure player safety during the pandemic, it will be another week before the Steelers can take part in a walk through on the field. And they can't have their first padded practice until Aug. 17.
But given the circumstances of this year, one in which the draft, OTAs and minicamps were held virtually, any chance to be on the field learning is a bonus.
For Highsmith, that means learning from starting outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree.
He has been able to watch them on film and interact with them on Zoom calls. Now, he'll get to see them work in person.
"They’re both great. I’m truly blessed to be able to learn from two of the best in the league," Highsmith said. "I say all the time that I believe they are the best pass rushing duo in the league. I’m so excited to be able to learn from them. I’ve already learned a lot from them to help my pass rush game, studying them. I’ve already reached out to those guys. It’s awesome to be able to be with them now. I’m just ready to be able learn from them. Just watching the film, I love how they play. There’s a reason why they’re so productive."
Highsmith has shown himself to be something of a sponge when it comes to learning. He earned his spot at Charlotte as a walk-on. By his fourth season, that former walk-on was recording 15 sacks to go along with 75 tackles, including 21.5 behind the line of scrimmage.
It was that production and work ethic that intrigued the Steelers enough to select him in the third round. After releasing primary backup outside linebacker Anthony Chickillo in the offseason in a salary cap-related move, they needed an infusion of youth behind Watt and Dupree.
That's especially the case given Dupree's status with the team. He's playing on the franchise tag this season and the Steelers might not be able to afford him in 2021.
Highsmith's production in 2019 came primarily rushing off the right side, the same side of the defense on which Dupree lines up.
"I know that this year, I feel I’m going to have a role on the team, so I’m going to do whatever that is, whether it’s special teams or defense," Highsmith said.
"In college last year, I rushed from the right side. I feel more comfortable on that side. But I’ve been moved to different sides. Whatever position they put me in, I’m going to do whatever I can to not only get to the quarterback, but stop the run and be a three-down outside backer. I want to be great in all facets of the game."
That might be more difficult given the circumstances. Without an on-field offseason program and no preseason games, rookies are going to have a difficult time showing the coaching staff they're capable of getting the job done.
"I’ll do whatever I can over these next few weeks to be on this roster and contribute in any way I can," Highsmith said. "Coach (Ulrick) Edmonds at Charlotte always used to say to be a low-maintenance guy. What he meant by that is to be someone who always shows up on time, shows up early, who does the right things, never misses anything. You never want to be what he calls a high-maintenance guy, causes a lot of problems.
"I’ll take the no-talent things, being on time, watching extra film with the coaches, is something I’ll take upon myself. I’m going to do whatever I can, whether that’s special teams or defense, to get on the field and help this team chase the ring. Those are the things I’m focusing on."
That's why last week, after arriving in Pittsburgh to sign his contract, Highsmith reached out to defensive lineman Cam Heyward. Heyward and many of the other Steelers defensive linemen had been working out with noted defensive line trainer Brandon Jordan in Pittsburgh.
Highsmith asked if he could join them.
"It was awesome to be able to work out with Cam, with Stephon Tuitt, Dan (McCullers), Tyson Alualu and some of the other guys as well because it’s awesome to be able to work with him and Brandon Jordan," Highsmith said. "Brandon Jordan is just so good at what he teaches. He’s an awesome guy to be around. It was just awesome to be able to train with him and those guys for a couple of days last week."
Changing directions!!! @CamHeyward @TysonAlualu @highsmith34 @HMondeaux92 pic.twitter.com/zxaEbxbW4f
— Coach Brandon Jordan (@CoachBTJordan) July 24, 2020
Again, whatever it takes. That's Highsmith's mantra.
Despite everything that has happened across the country and in the NFL, he's continued to train and get himself ready to play his rookie season.
His confidence level?
"It’s still high. That’s always been my thing," Highsmith said. "My confidence hasn’t wavered because of this. I’m someone who doesn’t get rattled by adversity. Whatever I can do to be the best that I can be no matter what the adversity is, I’m still going to do it. I’ve been preparing over these past three or four months to be in that position, so I’ll have to be able to get in there and be able to pass rush.
"You know, I’m just ready and excited for the opportunity. I can’t wait for the opportunity to present itself. Like I said, there are definitely different circumstances for us, not being able to do OTAs, not being able to have preseason games, but just making the most of it and doing what I can day-to-day, week-to-week to help contribute to winning win championship No. 7."
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