ASK THE STEELERS – MAURKICE POUNCEY – PART 1
Steelers.com brings you the Ask the Steelers feature. Fans submitted the questions that were asked. Please understand that we receive an incredible number of questions for each player, with many of the questions being similar, and not all of the questions can be answered. We selected as many as possible, and took your questions to the current subject to get your answers.
Robbie Lloyd in Canada asks: What is it like to sit there and watch the draft and wait for a team to call you?Maurkice Pouncey: It's definitely nerve racking, but it's exciting. It's definitely memorable when you do get the call.
Christina BelÃo in El Paso, Texas asks: How did you feel when you were picked by the Steelers in the first round?
Maurkice Pouncey: It was probably the best moment of my life. I was so happy, words can't explain it.
Sam Jacobs in Ohio asks: Who from the Steelers do you talk to when you are drafted?
Maurkice Pouncey: You talk to the whole staff, the head coach, general manager, offensive line coach and other coaches. When other teams are picking that is when they call.
Rick Studyvin in Toledo, Ohio asks: Since the center is the quarterback of the line, did you have to do extra film work compared to say the guard position when you were in college?Maurkice Pouncey: Most definitely, Every day I did.
Jim Smith in Boston, Massachusetts asks: What are the difference in requirements, preparation and expectation between playing guard and center?Maurkice Pouncey: At center you are the captain of the line. You are making the call every play. Everybody is depending on you to make their blocks.
From Jay Howley in Florida: There are so many expectations on center is it better as rookie to come in and play guard and play center later?
Maurkice Pouncey: It's different for different people I would be ready to come in and play center.
Samey Charappin Tucson, Arizona asks: Because the Steelers have Max Starks, a Gator Alumni, will this make it easier for you to transition into an NFL caliber lineman? Has he offered any advice or help with you getting settled in Pittsburgh?
Maurkice Pouncey: Most definitely. Max and I already hang out a little bit and talk a lot. I am glad he is there for me. It's helped a lot. He has told me to take it easy, it's rough at first but I will get used to it. He is going to help with my living arrangements.
Peter Topa in Old Forge, Pennsylvania asks: Do you think you will be thrown into the mix or sit on the sidelines and watch and learn?
Maurkice Pouncey: I definitely want to be thrown in. I want to be well prepared to go into the game, but I definitely want to play.
Carlos Lezama Lugo from Mexico City asks: What strengths do you bring to the Steelers organization?
Maurkice Pouncey: I have a great love for the game and am always willing to learn.