PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Playing snaps at center during the exhibition game on Saturday, Mason McCormick says he’s ready to roll if were to be called upon in a real game. He believes he can be one of those valuable, flexible offensive linemen.
Guard Spencer Anderson has also played center in the preseason and played snaps at center, and tackle, in practice his rookie season. McCormick said he liked playing in the middle. Appreciated the opportunity to get game reps at the position and laughed about how they didn’t go silent count at the end of the game not realizing the fans would still be into in during a preseason game.
“I think for the most part it was good,” McCormick said Monday. “I think there is stuff I need to clean up after the game. There are definitely some plays I wish I could have back, that I would approach differently. That’s football. We just try to minimize those plays best we can and move forward.”
Coming from the FCS, there was a lot McCormick needed to learn. He said he’s worked with Pat Meyer and the coaching staff on improving his hands and footwork, learning how to have different approaches on different blocks. He said those technique improvements are more commonplace. They aren’t a thought now, he’s just reacting. In turn he’s playing faster and more efficient.
“Very, very different,” McCormick said of his game now. “I’m so much more confident. I’m being able to go out there and play a little more free and have more fun just because I’m starting to know the ins and outs with the offense. It’s been really good. Every day is better.”
You know the intensity is there, ask linebacker Elandon Roberts from the scuffle between the offense and defense were a part of in training camp. If he could save them a roster spot before potentially taking a starting job at right guard next year, it would make everyone better.
“I think it’s always good to have a guy who can play center, even if I’m in at guard, we can communicate,” McCormick said. “You know at center you aren’t going to be 100% perfect. To have another guy to be able to lean on, on the field when different looks come up and exotic things. It’s good to be able to bounce ideas off each other.”