clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

LaMarr Woodley to Play OLB

By Michael Bean

LaMarr Woodley, the Steelers' 2nd round draft choice out of Michigan, will be converted to OLB. Woodley was a defensive end at Michigan, but the Steelers obviously were intrigued by his potential to play as both a pass rusher and a linebacker.

Woodley is not concerned about the transition, citing some similarities between the Steelers 3-4 scheme and the one he played under at Michigan:

Some of the schemes that we used with our defense were similar to Pittsburgh. I was mainly down at end, but I had the opportunity to learn some of the linebacking position. At our school, we ran those schemes.

Woodley, who recorded an impressive 12 sacks during his senior campaign in Ann Arbor, has the right attitude to help this defense immediately. No pretense, no ego, just an aura of self-confidence that will hopefully keep the Steelers defense elite for years to come:

I bring attitude to the game. I bring attitude and I bring a lot of leadership to the game. That's what you're going to get out of me. You're going to get a hard-working guy who's going to come out there and compete every play--a guy who hates to lose. When a guy hates to lose--like me--he definitely has an attitude.

And finally, in case you were wondering if Woodley will be happy calling Pittsburgh home, he had this to say about his allegiances growing up:

I was a Steelers fan growing up. I have always rooted for the Steelers. The Steelers were my favorite team. When I was playing when I was younger, I decided to put on number 36, and I called myself "The Bus," and ever since then, I've been rolling.

Welcome to the family LaMarr, we're glad to have you. Now help us win a Super Bowl!
 

More From Behind the Steel Curtain