Keep in mind it\u2019s just one practice. Rookie minicamp, at that. A session compared to a walkthrough with players going through the motions as they get acclimated to the NFL. But reviews on sixth-round rookie QB Will Howard are already promising.<\/p>\n
Offering a recap of the team\u2019s first of three practices this weekend, the PPG\u2019s Ray Fittipaldo had nothing but glowing remarks about the top quarterback in camp.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can tell he played five years of college football and quarterbacked a team to a national championship. He looked very comfortable in his first practice,\u201d Fittipaldo said in a video with colleague Brian Batko.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Howard is one of two quarterbacks participating in the Steelers\u2019 rookie minicamp and atop the \u201cdepth chart,\u201d working ahead of tryout invite Seth Morgan.<\/a> Howard will take a backseat when veteran Mason Rudolph reports later this month, but this weekend is a great chance for him to display the leadership evident throughout his college career.<\/p>\n His path wasn\u2019t easy nor conventional. A relatively light recruit, he left Eastern Pennsylvania to attend Kansas State. There, he was shifted in and out of the lineup when injuries to Skylar Thompson and Adrian Martinez struck. He consistently battled for his starting job, opting to stay and compete rather than transfer. Howard secured his spot and led the Wildcats to a Big 12 title.<\/p>\n He transferred to Ohio State and in a single season became a leader and propelled the Buckeyes to a national title. Howard bounced back from tough losses to Oregon and Michigan, exacting revenge on the Ducks in a blowout playoff win. They were moments that prepared him for the NFL.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was interesting watching him talk after practice, too,\u201d Fittipaldo said. \u201cHe\u2019s a very impressive guy. Polished with the media, which you would expect coming from Ohio State.\u201d<\/p>\n