Ed Bouchette in the Post-Gazette is reporting that Maukrice Pouncey practiced this afternoon at Center with the first team. He looked good on the teevee Saturday night, and I saw something this evening that changed my mind.

More after the jump.

Johnny mentioned in a fanshot that postgameheroes.com had video of Pouncey's Saturday night performance. I watched it once, then again, and then a third time. I didn't think he looked good...I think he looked GREAT. And I'm not sure how many years it's been since I've used that word to describe a rookie in his first pre-season game. 

His technique and awareness are simply perfect. Watching how he hands off a rusher to another lineman...watching how he finishes off a block...watching his blocks spring Redman and protect Dixon on the Bryant pass were moments sublime...and watching him block downfield, oh, the joy!

It's no surprise that after Tomlin and Kugler watched the game video, they promoted Pouncey to the starting team. Remember, he's still getting used to the speed and system of the pro game. He's only going to get better as he gains experience and confidence. 

I think we're gonna see a rookie starting at Center this year....maybe even in the season opener....and I'm really confident they hit a home run when they picked this kid. Ranger, Webby, Dirt and Hartings are smiling. Their worthy successor seems to have arrived. 

Nope. I'm not jumping the gun or getting ahead of myself. This kid has an unbelievable upside.