He may be listed because the No. 3 operating again on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ depth chart behind Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, however rookie Kaleb Johnson has put collectively a powerful coaching camp and continues to point out indicators of enchancment.
That steady enchancment led to some reward from head coach Mike Tomlin Thursday forward of the Steelers’ preseason opener Saturday night time in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars on the highway.
“I really like his common demeanor relating to the get higher,” Tomlin mentioned of Johnson, in accordance to video by way of the Steelers’ YouTube web page. “He’s a piece in progress, like a number of younger runners by way of blitz pickup. Not solely recognition on the NFL degree, however technically, you realize, the posture that’s required and the way to create energy and so forth. However he’s been actually spectacular in that he’s a younger man that doesn’t run away from issues.
“He runs to issues and so he’s getting higher in all areas.”
Popping out of Iowa, Johnson was considered as a terrific match for offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s zone-rushing assault. There have been no actual considerations about his means as rusher, particularly after main the Huge Ten in speeding final season. His receiving out of the backfield is underrated, too.
The place there have been considerations with Johnson is in cross safety. To date, he’s labored very exhausting on it and has made enchancment. He’s put in additional work with Warren, among the finest pass-blocking operating backs in soccer and has earned reward from Tomlin and operating backs coach Eddie Faulkner for his enchancment.
That dedication and work ethic to throw himself at a weak point and attempt to enhance is nice to see. It’s actually one thing that catches the eye of teammates and coaches, and it’s good to listen to Tomlin acknowledge Johnson on this approach.
He’s going to be an enormous piece of the offense this season, notably within the operating sport. And if he can keep on the sector on third downs along with his pass-protection talents, it may permit Arthur Smith to do extra with Warren and Gainwell as receiving choices.
We’ll see how a lot Johnson performs Saturday night time in opposition to the Jaguars, however hopefully he’s in a position to present flashes of the advance he’s made thus far in coaching camp.
