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All eyes were on the running backs at the North Carolina Pro Day

The Pittsburgh Steelers were in attendance at the UNC Pro Day to get a glimpse of the running back duo and a linebacker prospect.

NCAA Football: Western Carolina at North Carolina Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

There was a long list of NCAA Pro Days going on Monday, and it is always to remind fans just how important these workouts are for these prospective players. Since the NFL canceled the 2021 Scouting Combine, teams were forces to rely solely on Pro Day workouts and interviews to get to know these prospective players.

Here was the run down of Pro Days Monday:

The Pittsburgh Steelers had scouts at every workout, but all eyes, especially for black and gold fans, were on the University of North Carolina Pro Day.

The biggest aspect of the workout was surrounding the curiosity of the running backs who played for the Tar Heels during their collegiate careers. The biggest name, Javonte Williams, ran a solid 4.58 second 40-yard dash, and his counterpart Michael Carter ran a 4.55.

The running backs weren’t the only players who the Steelers might have had their eye on. Linebacker Chazz Surratt, you can see his 40-yard dash time above, has met with the Steelers and was certainly a target for the black and gold.

For those who don’t know much about Surratt, because we all certainly know a lot about the running backs, here is a NFL Draft profile of Surratt, per the The Draft Network:

Chazz Surratt came to North Carolina to play quarterback, where he started seven games as a redshirt freshman in 2017 and entered 2018 as the Tar Heels’ starter. His 2018 season was delayed, however, because of a four-game suspension because he sold team-issued sneakers. When he returned to the lineup, Surratt completed 4-of-10 passes for 10 yards and three interceptions before injuring his wrist, which required season-ending surgery. When his wrist healed and he was ready to return to the field, discussions between Surratt and then-head coach Larry Fedora began regarding a switch to the defensive side of the football. Surratt considered a transfer to another university to continue as a quarterback but he met with newly hired head coach Mack Brown regarding his status with the program and he decided to stay. Surratt made it clear to Brown that it was his goal to play in the NFL and both agreed his best course was to make the transition to linebacker. Surratt’s first year at linebacker was in 2019 and he was outstanding. Appearing in all 13 games with 11 starts, Surratt was a First-Team All-ACC selection and runner-up for ACC Defensive Player of the Year. With 115 tackles, Surratt led the Tar Heels and finished second in the ACC with 88 tackles per game. Surratt logged 15 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and 10 quarterback hurries. He took another step forward in 2020, becoming more polished when it comes to coverage drops, pursuit angles, and tackling. Surratt is an exciting package of size, mobility, and physicality, but there are times studying his tape when you are reminded that he is still new to the position. Surratt will need to continue developing at the position and if he does, he has the makings of a starting pursuit-style linebacker that can make plays on every down.

Ideal Role: Pursuit-style 4-3 outside linebacker that brings value on every down.

Scheme Fit: 4-3 outside linebacker.


What do you think of these prospects? Would you be okay seeing any of them wearing black and gold? Let us know in the comment section, and be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the team as they prepare for the NFL Draft.