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If James Conner’s story is made for a Disney production, Senquez Golson’s would be the polar opposite.
The Ole Miss cornerback was drafted in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the mindset he would be the future in the slot for the black and gold.
As everyone knows, the NFL hasn’t exactly worked out like Golson likely planned.
A torn labrum in his shoulder ended his rookie season before it ever began, and a Lisfranc injury in his foot required surgery and ended his season after just a handful of practices at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Despite his misfortunes, Golson remains positive and hopes to put the injuries which plagued him the past two years in the past, as he now prepares for his third first year with the Steelers.
Golson spoke to the media for the first time since Organized Team Activities (OTAs) began, and spoke about his injured foot, how it required screws to be implanted into his foot, but how he was finally 100-percent healthy.
Golson called this his "third first year" with the Steelers. Had screws removed from LisFranc injury, healed "100 percent" he said.
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) May 24, 2017
What are his goals for the 2017 season? As he told Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Stay healthy.”
Golson's expectations for 2017? "Stay healthy."
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) May 24, 2017
Steelers had high hopes for him in slot, and that is where he said he's been practicing
Golson’s spot on the team is not guaranteed, and there are plenty of defensive backs on the team’s roster looking for a chance. With Artie Burns and Ross Cockrell on the outside, it leaves William Gay, rookies Cameron Sutton and Brian Allen and free agent acquisition Coty Sensabaugh in the way of Golson and playing time.
Could be beat them all and find his way onto the field? Absolutely, anyone who studied Golson’s film at Ole Miss coming out of college knows what he can bring to a defensive secondary, but there is that question about health again which keeps creeping up.
If, and that is a huge if, Golson can stay healthy, he could really help lift up a sagging pass defense. His ball skills are exceptional and his short area quickness was almost made for the slot cornerback position.
Will his foot injury change all that?
Only time will tell, and Golson’s future could very well hinge on just how well he plays...even in offseason workouts.