I understand that Montreal Alouettes QB Anthony Calvillo (Utah State) had a tryout with the Steelers in 2001 or 2002. I do not know why it did not pan out, but if longtime insiders in BTSC would enlighten me, I would be very grateful.
In chatting with a Steeler blogger a few years back (I forget who), I was told that Calvillo was then a better fit for a West Coast offense, rather than our Kordell Stewart/Tommy Maddox/Jerome Bettis engine; also, it was quite apparent to my correspondent that, back then, he did not have the poise before the rush, the arm strength on out patterns and the general precision required of an NFL QB.
Speaking to Calvillo himself on a fan train in 2009, he remembers having had a fair try-out with Cowher and the brass, but beyond the fact that the Steelers *appeared* well set at QB already at the time, he did not speculate as to why he did not make it. Of course, three Grey Cups later, I'm ecstatic that it did not pan out.
Incidentally, the current all-time TD passes leader, Damon Allen, is the brother of Marcus Allen.
