Steelers Coach Reveals Amazing Leadership Trait That Made Gennings Dunker Stand Out

The Pittsburgh Steelers came into the summer with some big changes up front on the offensive line. They moved key players like Troy Fautanu and Mason McCormick from the right side to the left side, creating a brand new look. Among the changes and new faces in the organization, there's a rookie that stands out as a potential starter and he also comes with some traits that Pittsburgh knew they couldn't pass on in the draft.

That is with rookie guard Gennings Dunker out of Iowa. There have been plenty of reports of how hard-working he is and that not only helped him get drafted, but it also paid dividends at Iowa -- aiding teammate Kaleb Johnson to break.

On top of being a hard worker, Dunker did some things at the Senior Bowl that really stood out to new Steelers offensive line coach James Campen. His role in being a star at the big event was part of the reason Campen wanted him, and now that he's in Pittsburgh, the organization is very excited to see him work. Campen talked about Dunker with Steelers insider Jim Wexell recently and mentioned a significant quality that should work well with this team. 

"You always look for guys that are first in the line doing things that are challenging or different, like he did at the Senior Bowl," Campen told Wexell. "He was first in the line to go and do new drills and things like that. So I'm sure there are some leadership qualities there, too. We're very excited to have him and to add to the O-line room."

Dunker stood out by being the first to try new drills and get the work in at the Senior Bowl. He stood out and his initiative gives Campen reason to believe there's some strong leadership qualities within him. That could go a long way in Pittsburgh. While he is a rookie, this new Mike McCarthy regime has already changed the culture. 

Keeping a team together and tightknit through changes does make a big impact with on-field results. While Dunker is considered a new face, being an early leader can really aid this process of a big change. Not only that, but when he's a veteran, he's the kind of guy that can hold other players accountable, and help adjust the young guys to the professional level. 

On top of the leadership, he comes with qualities you can't just teach a player. He has all the tools to be a successful lineman at the next level. Now, he just has to make the adjustment.

"He's an aggressive kid," said Campen to Wexell. "His focus and intent is really capturing. It projects onto the field as well. Just a very serious person. I think also the fact that he so seamlessly went into guard at the Senior Bowl really made it very appealing. There are not a lot of big people like that who can pull and match the strength that he has." 

There's a lot to like with Dunker. He impressed to the organization at first and now that he's in the organization, he can turn into an underrated diamond in the rough. There's a lot of work to be done, but with what he has shown to Campen and the new coaching staff, they believe he can be the next star. 

Steelers' Rookie Gennings Dunker Is A Future Leader

Hopefully Campen and the Steelers can turn Dunker into the next All-Pro lineman in Pittsburgh. They have a rich history of strong linemen and with all of these new changes, there's great qualities to believe in the rookie to help stabilize this shaken-up group. 

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