The Steelers held their first practice of rookie minicamp on Friday with a total of 34 players in attendance at the UPMC-Rooney Sports Complex. There were 12 first-year players, 17 members of the team's rookie class and five players working on a tryout basis.
The tryout players were Slippery Rock quarterback Roland Rivers, Charlotte offensive lineman Jaelin Fisher, Indiana defensive lineman Jovan Swann, West Virginia offensive lineman Chase Behrndt and Coastal Carolina defensive lineman Sterling Johnson.
Four players spoke to the media following the session. Here's what they had to say.
PAT FREIERMUTH
Round: 2
Overall: 55th
College: Penn State
Position: Tight end
Size: 6-5, 251
Age: 22
He said it: "I guess it came about because I’m from that area. Obviously, Gronk played for the Patriots for a long time. I grew up kind of watching him. I hate it because I think it’s pretty annoying. I don’t like being called “Baby Gronk.” I’m trying to get away from that nickname. I don’t want to be called that."
KENDRICK GREEN
Round: 3
Overall: 87th
College: Illinois
Position: Center/guard
Size: 6-2, 305 lbs.
Age: 22
He said it: "They didn’t hand it to me. I’ve worn 53 since high school. Obviously, they knew I wore it, as well. I requested it, knowing that he had retired. Maybe I would get it. I was fully prepared for them to keep it off. They let me have it. I’ve got big shoes to fill. I’m going to work towards that. … (Maurkice Pouncey) reached out to me the day after the draft telling me congratulations and be ready to work, play hard and be a Steeler. As far as the number, I didn’t know at the time (if he would get it)."
TRE NORWOOD
Round: 7
Overall: 245th
College: Oklahoma
Position: Defensive back
Size: 6-0,192
Age: 23
He said it: "Actually, Cam (Sutton) and I trained at the same spot in Tampa," Norwood said. "I knew him before I got here. He actually reached out to me after the draft as soon as it ended. He extended his arms as a big brother and a guy that's been here. Definitely can't wait to sit down and pick his brain to get to know more about this defense so I can know the ins and outs and learn and get better."
PRESSLEY HARVIN III
Round: 7
Overall: 254th
College: Georgia Tech
Position: Punter
Size: 5-11, 263
Age: 22
He said it: "It's been a lot of hard work to get to that point," Harvin said when asked about being the first Black man to win the Ray Guy Award for best punter in the NCAA. "High school was definitely a grind and then being able to go to Georgia Tech let me get to know the punters there and add to the legacy of punters there. It means a lot to add to that group (of Black punters). There's not many of us, like you said, you can really count on a hand of about all of us. It's just a tight-knit group. Being the first one to win the Ray Guy, I feel like I'm a trailblazer. I want to be able to pave the way for guys who come after me and make that route easier."