Steelers try another center option

[lamberts-lost-tooth]

By Scott Brown
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Tuesday, June 5, 2007


The question isn't who is playing center for the Steelers these days.
Rather, it is who isn't playing center.

Willie Colon took a turn at the position during a voluntary practice at the team's South Side facility Monday, which may come as a surprise for a number of reasons, not the least of which is he has never played it.

"That was the first live reps ever in my life," the second-year player said.

And to hear Colon talk, it won't be the last time the right tackle will get repetitions at center.
He said the coaches have indicated that they are going to give him a look at the position, even though the Steelers already have Chukky Okobi, Sean Mahan and Marvin Philip there.

Kendall Simmons could also be a candidate to replace the retired Jeff Hartings, as offensive line coach Larry Zierlein said last week that the right guard will get some work at center during organized team activity practices.

Said Colon of experimenting at center: "I'm not running from the opportunity, so I'm just trying to do the best I can with it."

The 6-foot-3, 315-pounder played right tackle at Hofstra University and started the final two games of the 2006 season at the position after Max Starks was hurt.

Colon said he prefers playing right tackle but added that he would not object to a move to center.

"Whatever gets me a job," Colon said, "I'll do it."

[lamberts-lost-tooth]

I'm not as much worried as to what appears to be some serious indecision as to who our center will be....as I am to the fact that with Colon at center...Starks would remain at right tackle!!!

[DACEB]

I think all this movement on the O-line comes down to the coaches looking for versatile linemen who they can keep beyond this upcoming season. With all of the upcoming FAs on the O-line they are planning ahead to see who will be signed next year not only who will start this year.

Just another great move by coach Tomlin!

[ChronoCross]

All I have to say is wow, did not see this coming, but with all the problems we had last year giving up sacks, and failing in there blocking for the run game during away games, does not surprise me that they are working to find the right combination on the line for this year. Only thing I can say is if my hopeful for center does not win the job (Okobi) he needs to be cut because the amount of money were paying him to sit the bench as a backup is just to much, are have him at least restructure his contract. It will be interesting to see who else they try at center before making a decision.

[tony hipchest]

i betcha big bad john kuhn can play center. like LLT said it does look like an awful lot of indecision, but i think dacb could be right, with so many linemans contracts coming up, now is the best time to see what we got and where. we couldnt be doing this type of player practice and research during the season when we have actual opponents to practice for.

[lamberts-lost-tooth]

Originally Posted by tony hipchest

i betcha big bad john kuhn can play center. like LLT said it does look like an awful lot of indecision, but i think dacb could be right, with so many linemans contracts coming up, now is the best time to see what we got and where. we couldnt be doing this type of player practice and research during the season when we have actual opponents to practice for.

I am still hoping for a Smith,Faneca,Mahan,Simmons,Colon line...with Essex getting alot of time at Tackle...and Kimo getting alot of time at Guard....

...as a starter...Starks makes a very good backup.

...and I thought Kuhn was going to be our third QB?

[ChronoCross]

Originally Posted by lamberts-lost-tooth

I am still hoping for a Smith,Faneca,Mahan,Simmons,Colon line...with Essex getting alot of time at Tackle...and Kimo getting alot of time at Guard....

...as a starter...Starks makes a very good backup.

...and I thought Kuhn was going to be our third QB?

I was thinking Smith, Faneca, Okobi, Mahan, Colon. Unless of course Simmons comes back strong, but who knows. But it will keep everyone guessing until they release the final starting lineup for the O Line.

[polamalufan43]

This is one of those situations when I honestly can't tell which way this will go. However, I'm not too worried about it because we have some great options.

~PF43

[lamberts-lost-tooth]

Originally Posted by ChronoCross

I was thinking Smith, Faneca, Okobi, Mahan, Colon. Unless of course Simmons comes back strong, but who knows. But it will keep everyone guessing until they release the final starting lineup for the O Line.

How about a compromise of Smith, Faneca, SIMMONS, Mahan, Colon...(I just cant wrap my arms around Okobi)

[ChronoCross]

Originally Posted by lamberts-lost-tooth

How about a compromise of Smith, Faneca, SIMMONS, Mahan, Colon...(I just cant wrap my arms around Okobi)

You would think him being behind hartings for this long he would have the knowledge and skills already to lockup this spot, but I guess there having second thoughts as am I about Okobi myself now. Ill comp with that line with ya. I could see that as one of the many possible outcomes.