Urbik as a center?

[mesaSteeler]

http://www.examiner.com/x-2703-Pitts...hree-year-deal

Steelers bolster line by signing draft pick Urbik to three year deal
June 29, 1:44 PM
Matt Pawlikowski

Pittsburgh Sports Examiner

PITTSBURGH - The Steelers have signed the eighth of their nine 2009 draft picks, as they agreed to a three-year contract with offensive guard Kraig Urbik on Monday. Terms of the deal have not been released.Kraig Urbik

Urbik (6-5, 328) was selected by the Steelers with the 15th pick (79th overall) in the third round of April’s NFL Draft, the first of the team’s three choices in the round. The Steelers obtained the pick for Urbik as well as the 20th pick in the third round as part of a draft day trade with the Denver Broncos.

"This kid understands football. He’s a big physical guy that we think can play guard or tackle,' said offensive coordinator Bruce Arians recently said about Urbik. " We’ll stick the ball between his legs and see if he can do that too, so he has the ability to dress on Sunday and be a guy that could possibly be a three position player for us."

Meaning, Urbik may give former Penn Stater and local product AQ Shipley a run for his money at the center position.


Urbik started 50 games during his college career at Wisconsin, lining up at right guard 34 times and starting 16 games at right tackle. He became the first freshman at Wisconsin to start at offensive tackle since 1996 and registered 325 knockdown blocks during his college career. During his final two seasons, Urbik allowed only three quarterback sacks and two pressures on 680 pass plays.

Urbik will compete with Darnell Stapleton for the starting right guard position, and have Stapleton be the swing-man backup. Regardless of whether he wins the starting job in his first year, he will still provide depth to a thin offensive line.
The Steelers have now signed all of their 2009 draft picks with the exception of first-round DE Ziggy Hood.

(Center? Ok fine if it works but I'd be happy if he can pass block and keep Ben on his feet. - mesa)

[austinfrench76]

I understand the value of people being able to play 3 positions and all but wouldn't it be great to see these guys at their natural positions? I mean that's how we got Willie Colon palying tackle instead of guard and Stapleton at guard instead of center and so on and so forth. I just want someone that can block maybe even at just ONE position!

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

You are reading too much into this trashy piece of writing from a 3rd rate source.

The idea of "putting a ball between his legs" for Urbik, just means that he could be one of the 7 O linemen dressed on gameday ....just because he CAN play 4 positions. Its not like he is competing for the starting spot at center.

[tony hipchest]

but james harrison put the ball between his legs last season.

[arge5809]

yah and that didn't work out at all!

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Originally Posted by tony hipchest

but james harrison put the ball between his legs last season.

Yeah....and if that scared them enough, then Doug Legursky might be active on gameday as a backup. He was working last year on some long snapping with a former Bears long snapper.

Position flexibility brings value, but it doesnt necessarily mean a guy will compete for a start at that position.

[SteelKid212]

[QUOTE]

Originally Posted by mesaSteeler

http://www.examiner.com/x-2703-Pitts...hree-year-deal

Urbik (6-5, 328)
Urbik started 50 games during his college career at Wisconsin, lining up at right guard 34 times and starting 16 games at right tackle. He became the first freshman at Wisconsin to start at offensive tackle since 1996 and registered 325 knockdown blocks during his college career. During his final two seasons, Urbik allowed only three quarterback sacks and two pressures on 680 pass plays.

what stands out to me is his consistency and production.
in 50 games 325 knockdown blocks. THATS 6.5 Knockdown Blocks PER GAME!
i dunno... but that sounds pretty good to me.
during that span ONLY allowed 3 QB sacks..!????!? again... pretty goood stat

oo yea... and hes big... 6-5... 328 lbs....

[wootawnee]

We got a great leader at center......Justin took control last year and he will be there for awhile.........This guy got right guard written all over him......

[SteelCityMan786]

In my opinion it's stupid. They just drafted a GREAT center in Shipley who is able to scrap with D-Linemen. Not to mention he does something called BLOCK, something our O-line had trouble doing for at least 4 games if not more.(You can point all 4 easily.

[mesaSteeler]

[QUOTE=SteelKid212;621134]

what stands out to me is his consistency and production.
in 50 games 325 knockdown blocks. THATS 6.5 Knockdown Blocks PER GAME!
i dunno... but that sounds pretty good to me.
during that span ONLY allowed 3 QB sacks..!????!? again... pretty goood stat

oo yea... and hes big... 6-5... 328 lbs....

"6.5 Knockdown Blocks PER GAME" - I must confess I'm looking forward to seeing the "Wrath of Kraig"