First-round selection of the Steelers prepared to “put on the pads” and play “real football”.
Troy Fautanu, an offensive tackle for the Steelers, had to adjust to the league’s rapid pace, just like many other rookies.
Chief coach Mike Tomlin stated on Thursday that it’s common to anticipate that Pittsburgh’s rookies would continue to be “shocked and surprised at times” in the upcoming months.
But after the last day of required minicamp, Fautanu expressed his belief that he has improved significantly from the first few days of rookie minicamp.
“Going back to the first couple days, just the speed of the game and how fast people are moving,” Fautanu stated. “But I started to acclimate a little bit more and more as the weeks have gone on.”
Fautanu is prepared to step it up now that he’s settled in a little better. Nevertheless, he will have to wait six weeks to do so, starting on July 25, when the squad reports for training camp.
“Man, I can’t wait to play some actual football. Put on your pads and give these guys a fight. “They are the greatest in the world,” said Fautanu. “These guys are making me better every single day.”
The rapid development of Fautanu can be partially attributed to linebacker T.J. Watt. Fautanu claims he has already learned a lot from facing the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year in practice.
“To prepare for any eventuality,” Fautanu continued. “A man with that kind of strength, speed, and dexterity.” He has everything. Just making sure I’m prepared for every play, that’s all.”
On Thursday, general manager Omar Khan formally declared that Fautanu will play right tackle for the Steelers. Given that the rookie played left side throughout his time as a college at Washington, it will have its own ups and downs.
But since the offseason, Fautanu claimed he has been getting ready to play on the right side.
“I feel a lot more comfortable than I did the first day of rookie minicamp,” Fautanu said. “I prepared for it during the off-season. You never know what games you will end up playing.”
It’s still unclear if Fautanu will start at right tackle in Week 1, but he’s prepared to show why that ought to be the case in around 15 days.
All quotes, unless specified, were taken directly from the source.
