The Steelers offseason program moves to phase three today, with a total of 10 OTAs (organized team activities) starting at the team's practice facility. During OTAs no live contact is permitted, but it's the first time the team can take part in 7-on-7, 9-on-9, and 11-on-11 drills.
"I can't wait," said defensive end Cam Thomas. "It's not full contact so I will still be itchy, but I can't wait. Everyone has one goal and it's all about competition, going out and competing and having fun."
Check out photos of defensive tackle Cam Thomas. Photos by AP.
Thomas has been taking part in the offseason program since he signed as an unrestricted free agent from the San Diego Chargers. He likes what he has seen so far from his teammates and the Steelers' organization, and is ready to do his part to keep the tradition going.
"When I first got here in the building I could tell everything was about tradition," said Thomas. "It's a winning program. I saw those six Lombardi Trophies and I thought, wow, I am going to be a part of seven, eight, nine and 10.
"It's tradition and you feel so welcomed. You see the history and look at all of the trophies and I want to be a part of that history. It's hard work that is going to get it. Anything else isn't accepted. It's not what we want. Everyone wants one thing and the goal is to get to Arizona. I love it."
Thomas, who said he can bring power, quickness and dominance to the defense, likes what he has seen the team do this offseason through free agency and the draft to bring speed to the defense.
"It's real exciting especially when you are playing fast defense," said Thomas. "Fast defense is fun to play. Quick, fast defense is really fun to play. You just see everybody going. Making plays, it's the best thing to have.
"I am ready to be a part of that. Whatever they want me to do, I can do. I can play across the board on the line, wherever they want me to play, I can play it."
The biggest adjustment Thomas has in front of him is the playbook, not so much understanding it, but just learning the terminology.
"That is the main thing," said Thomas. "At the end of the day it's all football. It's just getting used to the terminology and what they want."
