PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Three straight days of limited work in practice, Steelers defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi is questionable for the opener Sunday against San Francisco. He’s the only one not listed as full go.
That could mean a number of opportunities for DeMarvin Leal, even if Ogunjobi is able to dress for the game. The second-year defensive lineman played in only 25% of the defensive snaps in the 11 games he played as a rookie. Leal finished with 14 tackles and three passes defended.
“I’ve conditioned myself over-and-over again during training camp and before that as well,” Leal said Friday. “It’s building on to all the pluses (about his development this year).”
“Having all of those reps throughout the preseason and into training camp and actually dialing down into that three technique and sometimes, four-wide. I’m actually settling down in there. Actually able to develop that while being completely healthy with the right body weight. I feel that has helped be a lot this offseason and training camp.”
Steelers coaches have tinkered with Leal. He has the athletic ability to move along the defensive line and they have explored him playing every position, including some where he would stand up and move around, kind of like what they would do with Brett Keisel a few years ago.
“I think that is going to be a great value to our defense,” said Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith. “I’ve seen him grow over camp. I think his motor is going to add a lot of value to our defense. A guy coming in, willing to fly around and put his body on the line and go out there and make plays. I’m excited to see how he adds value to our defense this year.”
“All of us getting those reps, that chemistry, getting more comfortable not only with playing in the system, but playing with each other,” Leal said. “It’s going to make us all better, no matter who is starting. Who is getting on the field first or last. We are all going to be setting the same standard.”
“We have a deep room,” said Steelers linebacker TJ Watt. “I think you guys have seen that throughout preseason, just ready for any guy who is next to be in there if Larry can’t go, I hope he can, but Leal and Loudermilk have done a great job of developing over the last couple of years.”
“Leal has come a long way learning the defense,” said Steelers defensive captain Cam Heyward. “As a rookie, we put a lot on his plate. At times it was a lot. I think this year he’s a lot more comfortable in his situation. Depth is going to play a big part, whether it’s this game or game 16 or 17. We are not just trying to do this for one game, we are trying to have waves of terror. It doesn’t matter who is out there, we are getting the same production.”
“It’s a little itch going on,” Leal said. “You can definitely tell when guys are sitting there being really attentive to what the calls are making sure they are seeing and knowing what is going on, even if they are not on the field. See it from a different perspective. That just tells guys are ready to get on the field and show who they are and what they are and what they believe they can do.”
“I think Marv(DeMarvin Leal) has done a good job,” said Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. “We really like Marv. He is a good young player. He's still ascending. If for whatever reason we wouldn't be able to have Larry, then I absolutely count on Marv.”