Will Howard might have been the quarterback of school soccer’s greatest crew final season, however even he’s stunned on the NFL expertise stage. After apply on Friday, Howard talked to reporters about how he was adjusting to the NFL. One factor that he has seen a distinction in is the pace of each participant.
“For me, it’s the pace, the pace of everybody throughout the board,” stated Howard through the Pittsburgh DSEN YouTube channel. “Clearly in faculty, you bought guys which are actually quick. However all people right here is quick. I imply, you bought d-linemen which are monitoring you down. And linebackers that run like DBs in faculty. That’s undoubtedly totally different.”
Whereas I’m positive it’s a soar in total pace, Howard could also be taking part in a bit coy. This previous NFL Draft, Ohio State noticed 14 gamers drafted to the league and led all faculties in 1st spherical draft picks. They got here only one decide shy of tying the report for many gamers taken from a college in a single draft. Of these 14, seven have been defensive gamers, so I’m sure he’s a minimum of used to being chased by defenders who’re fast in their very own proper at apply.
Howard admitting the change in pace from faculty to the NFL needs to be a bit sobering for Steelers followers. At the same time as these within the nationwide media float him as a possible 2026 starter, he nonetheless has a methods to go and hasn’t thrown an NFL move. That’s to not say Howard can’t be an important quarterback for the crew, he definitely may outperform his pre-draft scouting report. Nevertheless it’s truthful to attend till the summer time to start really evaluating his play and potential.
Earlier than the ball’s snapped and the protection can fly round, Howard says he’s additionally getting used to NFL play-calling.
“Trying on the playbook and the offensive facet… it’s just a bit extra wordy,” stated Howard. “You form of gotta get used to the move of the play calls and, and calling them. It’s half memorization and half visualization.”
So on prime of the pace of the sport, the pace of processing the sport nonetheless must seemingly decelerate for Howard. Let’s be mindful, he’s a rookie. Not solely that, however he’s a sixth-round rookie to a crew that simply signed a Tremendous Bowl-winning quarterback. Lengthy story brief, he gained’t be beginning any time quickly, giving him ample time for the sport to decelerate for him.
