By Teresa Varley
Steelers.com
It's back to work today for the Steelers rookies, who are permitted to return for the first time since they attended mini-camp in early May.
While OTA's don't start until Tuesday, the rookies will get a jump start on workouts and after a mini-camp that had some of their heads spinning with information flying at them, that isn't a bad thing.
Running back Frank "The Tank" Summers, who was drafted in the fifth round out of UNLV is one of those players who had a lot to take in during the three-day mini-camp, but knows that things will come easier as time goes on.
"It's crazy, but it's a fun crazy," said Summers. "I am taking a deep breath and trying to swallow everything possible. Hopefully everything stays down. I am going to just keep trying and give my all. I know sooner or later I will get the hang of everything and I will be fine."
Summers tapped into the experience of fellow running backs Willie Parker, Mewelde Moore, Carey Davis and Rashard Mendenhall already, asking questions and getting as much advice from them as possible.
"They made it easy for me to come for help," said Summers. "In practice during minicamp they already came to me and quizzed me up and down the sidelines, what is this and what is that and what is my assignment. I really appreciate their help. They have helped me so much."
Summers, who at 5-10, 230 pounds has definitely earned the nickname The Tank that his mother gave him as an infant, hopes to use his size and strength to make a contribution to the black and gold this season.
"Whatever the coach asks me to do I am more than willing to do 100%," said Summers. "I am looking to contribute on special teams first. I look to make plays on special teams first and give it my all."
Another area where he could make an impact is on short yardage, where the team struggled when they got near the goal line last year.
"I think it's the will and determination," said Summers of what makes a good short-yardage back. "Also it's a good offensive line. You can't do anything without an offensive line. If the offensive line misses one guy and he hits you in the backfield, is it on you. That's a combination of the running back and offensive lineman working together and doing a good job."
Whatever he is called upon to do, Summers is looking forward to it and is glad to be back working again and getting a chance to really learn things.
"I am looking forward to everything," said Summers. "I am very blessed and happy to have the opportunity to be here. I have to get that playbook down first. Once I get the playbook down the sky is the limit."
