Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — During his media availability on Thursday, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin disclosed what new cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.’s role will be with the team.
Samuel, who is on the practice squad, is working exclusively at outside corner right now, and the timetable on his inclusion in games is to be determined.
“We’ve seen that on tape. He can run, he’s got ball skills, he has all the natural movements that a corner does,” Austin said. “So I would think he would fit in here in terms of the amount of single-high we play and being able to guard people, but again, we’ll let that take it’s course and we’ll see where it takes us. Right now, we’re just working on him outside.”
Samuel said he the healthiest he’s ever been. Samuel, who was considered a top-25 free agent in March, was recently cleared to play after undergoing offseason neck surgery. He visited numerous teams, including the Green Bay Packers and the Carolina Panthers.
“Just been running a little bit more on the track. I was on the track a lot, getting the wind, making sure I’m doing long-distance running, running up the hills and stuff like that. Just making sure I’m in shape. And lifting a little bit heavier than I usually do. Things of that nature,” Samuel said.
Austin has been impressed with what he’s seen from the Florid State product so far.
“We’ve just had one day with him,” Austin said. “So you see, obviously, he’s kept himself in pretty good shape. You see him running around. Where that leads at the end of the week, I won’t know until we get to the end of the week. “He’s got a skillset, obviously.”
Samuel is thrilled to be in the Black and Gold. He’s chomping at the bit to put his hand in the pile.
“I’m glad I ended up here,” Samuel said after Wednesday’s practice. “I’m glad everything worked out to be here, and I’m blessed to be here with great coaches and great teammates.”
“… [Practicing] meant the world to me. Just being out there, putting on a helmet, putting on cleats, going at it, competing with other guys that’s trying to accomplish the same goal as me and just trying to win. At the end of the day, it’s about winning, and I know that’s all it’s about over here, winning. It’s a winning culture, and I wanted to be a part of that.”
Brendan Howe provided reporting from Pittsburgh
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers DC Teryl Austin Reveals Plan for Asante Samuel Jr.
