We’re now two days into full padded practice at Pittsburgh Steelers training camp in Latrobe at St Vincent College. Players are flying and pads are certainly popping. There’s a lot going on and being instilled, but one thing certainly isn’t lacking: intensity. There has already been a few skirmishes, as expected, and the offense and the defense are certainly not holding back.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, Mark Robinson (#93) warms up at 2022 training camp in Latrobe, PA. | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
One player that is relishing in the full contact and getting a lot of recognition for his strong play is free agent signing, Myles Jack. He has been praised for his fast play, play-making, and physicality thus far in camp. One player that Jack was quick to praise however, was his rookie teammate, Mark Robinson.
"I love Mark, man. He was itching to get the pads on today. When we came down for warm-ups, he didn’t say much to anybody. He just had that eye of the tiger. I knew today was going to be a big day for him. I’m glad he got to show what he can do. He’s a thumper, man. He just wants to run and hit. He’s here for a reason."
Robinson had a slow start to the practice, losing two out of three reps in backs vs backers. Later on in the team period however, he got to show off what he can do when he had two tackles for loss in the team period. Jack ran out and celebrated with him after he laid the stick on fellow rookie, Mataeo Durant.
Rookie 6th-rd ILB Mark Robinson mighta been the defensive star of the 1st day of pads. For being a former FCS RB, he likes to tackle and shows a proverbial nose to get to the ball.
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) August 1, 2022
Robinson, a seventh round pick out of Ole Miss, is a converted running back. In his lone season at linebacker in college, he flourished, posting 91 total tackles, 5.5 TFL, and 3 sacks.
Robinson is currently pushing fellow linebackers Ulysees Gilbert III and Buddy Johnson for a spot on the roster. He has shown an aptitude not only as a thumper in camp, but in pass coverage as well. He was seen Tuesday having a good rep in coverage on Jaylen Warren:
Mark Robinson looks very solid in coverage while covering Jaylen Warren. Mirrors him on a pivot route to break the pass up.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) August 2, 2022
Robinson obviously has a long way to go, but it is a promising start to the young rookie's career to be showing these flashes and receiving recognition from his teammates. The Steelers middle linebacker group last year was far from its usual standard, and a guy like Robinson is exactly what the team may need to get back to the kind of physical nature that the team expects from the position.
Myles Jack Praises Other Teammates, Coach Brian Flores
Robinson was not the only one receiving praise from Jack after pads went on. He said that he and his teammates are bouncing ideas off each other often and helping one another be on the same page. In regards to Devin Bush, Jack had this to say:
"It’s been really good. I think me being here has allowed him to play fast."
He said Robert Spillane has been in there too and that the chemistry with him and Spillane has been good as well. He said that Spillane is helping him learn to play defense the “Steeler Way.”
Steelers' LB Myles Jack participates in OTA's (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
When asked about Coach Brian Flores and what he brings to the table Jack had this to say:
"He’s brought a different perspective on ball. I’ve learned a lot just by listening to him speak. I pretty much write down everything he says even if it doesn’t necessarily pertain to what we’re learning. He just has a perspective on things, being a head coach. It’s really kind of made me look at football in a completely different light…it’s like playing battlefield almost, it’s really cool."
Again, with the praise Jack is giving Robinson, his other teammates, and Coach Flores, it sounds like the inside linebacker group is definitely starting to get a good feel for one another and confidence in each other. It will be interesting to see how the rest of camp shakes out and if Robinson will continue to adapt and build on the success Jack was excited about. A lot will be told once the preseason starts up, which for the Steelers is only 10 days away. Robinson will get a taste of some NFL action, and will look to stamp his spot on this roster for the upcoming season.
Jack’s full interview can be seen here.
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