Former Texas A&M OL Ryan McCollum shines in first start with Pittsburg Steelers

Former Aggie OL fills in admirably in his first start with the Pittsburg Steelers

Availability is one of the big qualities outside of talent in putting together an NFL roster. Another is the ability to perform up to par when called upon, and on Sunday, former Texas A&M offensive lineman Ryan McCollum answered that call.

After an injury to Zach Frazier, Pittsburg Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin announced that backup OL Ryan McCollum would get the start against the New York Jets. In the lead-up to the game, he received attention from the media that he normally did not get and answered a question about if he ever considered moving on from football.

On Sunday, all that hard work paid off for the four-year pro as he had the best game of his pro career. It was somewhat of a surprise because he’s been up and down, but during the game against the Jets, he played well in Frazier’s absence. Steelers fans might have been worried about McCollum coming away with positive things to say.

While we are not sure what the future holds, if McCollum can string together a few good games, he can earn a permanent spot on the 53-man roster and possibly a new contract. We are hoping to see more growth and continued success from McCollum.

Note: Ryan McCollum is one of three former Texas A&M football players on the Steelers, joined by starting left tackle Dan Moore Jr. and defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal.

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Steelers injury update: C Zach Frazier has timeline for return

The Steelers hope to have Frazier back after the Steelers bye week in Week Nine.

There have been few rookies in the NFL this season who have played as well as Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier. Frazier took over the starting job after Nate Herbig was injured and looked like a 10-year veteran and not a rookie second-round pick.

Unfortunately, last week against the Las Vegas Raiders, Frazier suffered an ankle sprain that forced him out of the game. Ryan McCollum came in for Fraizer and played well. This is great news since it sounds like Frazier is going to miss the next two games and not be back until after the Steelers Week Nine bye week.

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The Steelers offensive line has been decimated with injuries so far this season. The team has already lost James Daniels and Troy Fautanu for extended stretches and were without guard Isaac Seumalo for several weeks. And as we noted, it was an injury that got Frazier into the starting lineup.

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Center Ryan McCollum showcases resilience in buildup to Week 7

C Ryan McCollum proves why everyone should follow their dreams, and to continue to work hard to make all things possible.

While losing dominant rookie center Zach Frazier to injury in Week 6 was far from ideal, the wise words of the next-man-up, center Ryan McCollum, surely instill confidence in both Steelers fans and the organization alike.

McCollum has played in 19 career games after going undrafted in 2021. His lone start came during his rookie year with the Detroit Lions, and he has bounced on and off the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad since. However, now set for his second career start in relief of Frazier, McCollum has never let the hard times and uncertainty this game brings get him down.

This is exactly the type of attitude you want out a backup who is looking to make the most of his opportunity.  While the Steelers offensive line is extremely banged up, losing 3 starters to injury so far in 2024, the team appears to be in capable hands with McCollum looking to spearhead the Pittsburgh rushing attack.  The Steelers will lean on his efforts and the offense overall, as the team faces a stout New York Jets’ defense in Week 7.

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Center prospects for Cowboys to consider in each round of 2021 draft

Tim Lettiero reviews seven centers who look to battle for a starting or roster spot in each round in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft.

Travis Frederick’s retirement was a roster travesty, to say the least. One of the most underappreciated players of this generation, he left the Dallas Cowboys with a massive hole right through the heart of the offensive line. While trustworthy Joe Looney stepped in for a bit and did his job, the Cowboys looked elsewhere, drafting Tyler Biadasz in the fourth round of the 2020 draft. Biadasz was solid in the starts he was given but it’s unlikely he’ll be able to live up to the hype of fellow former Wisconsin Badger.

Depending on how the staff viewed Biadasz’ limited reps, there is potential for a new starting center or simply some competition in the near future. Here are some options worth a look in each round of the upcoming draft: