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LB Ryan Shazier (All B1G, All-American, 2017 Pro Bowl)

http://pit.scout.com/story/1435176-shazier-the-kid-can-play?s=68&p=1

SHAZIER: THE KID CAN PLAY

PITTSBURGH -- This Ryan Shazier kid, the pick everyone pretty much ripped on draft day, the pick that was questioned because the Steelers had so many other linebackers, about that kid:

He can play a little bit.

In the Steelers' 19-16 win over the Buffalo Bills last night, Shazier played just as the Steelers expected when they drafted him with the 15th pick instead a much-needed cornerback.

"Not unlike what he's done when he's worked from the instant he's got here," said Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin. "He's proven that it's not too big for him, so I can't tell you that I'm surprised by his effort tonight. I'm not."

In the rookie inside linebacker's first preseason game -- after one practice in the last 11 days because of a knee bruise -- Shazier was all over the field. In the first quarter alone he knocked out the other team's best player, made six tackles, intercepted a pass, returned it 29 yards to set up a touchdown and a 13-3 Steelers lead, and also made a pair of special-teams tackles.

Shazier added three tackles in the second quarter to finish his only half of action with nine tackles, or six more than any Bills player made the entire game.

Cont'd ...
 
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Ryan Shazier glad to “show everyone what I can do”

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Pittsburgh fans had to wait an extra week to see first-round draft pick Ryan Shazier in a Steelers uniform, as a knee bruise kept him out of the preseason opener. But Shazier was on the field Saturday night for the Steelers’ second preseason game, and it was worth the wait.

Shazier had 11 solo tackles, a pass defensed and an interception that he returned 27 yards, and afterward Shazier said he was pleased to be able to do in live action what he always believed he could do when he got to the NFL.

“I’m just excited to be back out on the field,” said Shazier, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “Just to be out there and show everyone what I can do. You’re always nervous your first game. The NFL was the dream of my life. I finally got the opportunity to do it.”

Shazier’s teammates were impressed with what they saw.

“His pass coverage is awesome,” inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons said. “You saw the tackles; he was making tackles left and right. He has the pedigree. He has all the talent and the intangibles you want in an inside linebacker.”

Added defensive end Cam Heyward, “He’s an athletic guy who’s very fast. We keep working with him, by season’s start, we’ll expect a lot from him. Playing that position, he’s going to make a lot of plays.”

Entire article: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/08/17/ryan-shazier-glad-to-show-everyone-what-i-can-do/
 
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Shazier is just in a great position to have a great career.

It's interesting looking at the Steelers' roster and seeing the number of B1G/MAC players on their roster that have a legitimate shot at making the roster. It's definitely no secret of their success. I also remember a few years back someone from the Colts (can't remember if it was a coach, scouting director, or GM) blatantly saying they target B1G players because the conference plays in a style close to the NFL and has the athletes who are ready to play at the pro level.
 
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I wasn't exactly thrilled when the browns drafted JFF, because i think he'll be a walking body cast in a year or two, but i was by far the most upset when i had watch pittsburgh draft another buckeye i had cheered for for several years. Tough pill to swallow to anakin go to the dark side, and tough to watch shazier go to pittsburgh.
 
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