Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp: Shazier vs Blount highlights first 'backs on backers' session

Training camp has begun.

While training camp officially started Saturday, the famous 'backs on backers' drill marked the start of the hitting period.

Exciting for both fans and media, first year Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier and running back LeGarrette Blount put on a show early, according to Pittsburgh Tribune-Review beat writer Mark Kaboly.

My lord the collision Blount and Shazier. Blount staggered him. Shazier whipped him twice before.

— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly_Trib) July 28, 2014

Bob Labriola, Editor of Steelers digest, also broke down Shazier's success in a later tweet.

Ryan Shazier combines a bull rush with a swim move during backs-on-backers. Not too many LBs can pull that off.

— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) July 28, 2014

If these tweets don't give you chills, not much else will.

The early intensity is expected, but it is very encouraging to hear that offseason additions such as Shazier and Blount are already setting a physical tone.

The fifteenth overall pick in Shazier and the former New England Patriot Patriot, Blount are both going to be counted on to take big parts in the team's success. Because the Steelers want to avoid a third-consecutive 8-8 season, Shazier and Blount will need to continue to bring this physicality not just in practice, but to their opponents throughout the season.

While it is encouraging to see both players living up to the hype, the heated competition means one thing; football is finally back.