Steelers Isaac Redman Turning Heads in Camp

by Jim McMillen
Pittsburgh Blitz Editor

Steelers second year running back, Isaac Redman, is fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster and is putting on an impressive show in front of the Pittsburgh Steeler coaches at training camp.

If Redman keeps it up, he may eventually be a fixture on the 53-man roster as the short yardage back and maybe even more, the sky is the limit for this kid.

Redman, an undrafted second year player out of Bowie State, is turning some heads this year at St. Vincent College with the way he has conditioned himself. He came to camp last year out of shape but Redman vowed to change that going into this year. 

Even though he scored a team high three touchdowns and led the team in rushing in the preseason last year, Redman was cut and placed on the practice squad because of conditioning issues.

At 6-foot and 230 pounds, Redman has been a training camp marvel with the way he has vultured in for goal line scores in team drills and his play against the Lions, to open the preseason, had to turn a few heads. The football spread on Reman making the team is better now then last year and if he keeps turning heads he will be a shoe-in.

Coaches and players alike are starting to take notice. Last year the Steelers struggled to punch it in at the goal line and and had overall redzone troubles but they hope Redman, with the way he has played in training camp, can carry it over to the regular season and stay in shape and become a valued member of the offense.

With the Steelers about to take on the New York Giants on Saturday, expect Redman to get another healthy dose of carries as the Steelers would like to know more about what they are working with.

Head Coach Mike Tomlin would like to get back to smash mouth football this year as would Mr. Rooney and the development of Redman could play a key part in achieving that goal.

Word is that Redman can even play fullback. The only question though is will Bruce Ariens use him often enough in that role to be effective.

Redman has shown in camp that he is adept at blocking in passing situations. Adding him to the backfield with Rashard Mendenhall could create havoc on the NFL, with a two headed monster for defense’s to gameplan for.

Rashard Mendenhall will, of course, be the featured back and is looking good in training camp thus far. But with both he and Redman on the field at the same time you can bet teams will be forced to concentrate more on who will run the rock then be able to key on just one guy.

Also likely to get carries will be rookie Jonathan Dwyer and third-down back Mewelde Moore.

More then likely though, if Redman makes the team, there won’t be many carries left for Moore.

Dwyer has been struggling mightily, due to injuries, thus far in camp, while Moore is a dependable do-it-all type back that is a coach’s delight.

For the Steelers to improve their running game all of the above have to step forward and contribute in their own way.

For now, Redman is the one turning heads and if he keeps it up, Redman will not only make the 53-man roster but perhaps make a difference in goal line packages and how defense’s prepair for the Steelers on game days.

About the Author Jim McMillen

The Editor & Chief, the brains so to say, behind Pittsburgh Blitz. Jim is a rabid sports fan who just loves his Stillers, Pens and Buccos. Feel free to contact us at steelerguy26[@]yahoo.com if you have any questions or comments or would like to join our staff and write for Pittsburgh Blitz.

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