LATROBE, Pa. - Ian Wild isn't quite sure if he's being looked upon as a safety or linebacker these days, but he doesn't much care either way.
The Pittsburgh Steelers endured some heavy downpours during Wednesday's practice at Saint Vincent College.
"I'm just trying to make the team," he said. "Help however I can, on special teams and on defense wherever they need me."
Wild (6-foot, 205 pounds) came to training camp as a safety but started getting reps at inside linebacker this week when injuries thinned the rotation at that position.
He was at inside linebacker again at practice today, opening alongside Ryan Shazier with the first-team defense for the practice-opening "Seven Shots" drill.
At either position Wild has been repeatedly noticed and lauded by head coach Mike Tomlin for the contact Wild has craved and created during 11-on-11 drills.
"I know I'm the underdog, so I'm just going out there and giving it everything I have," Wild said.
Although he attended Baldwin High School in suburban Pittsburgh, Wild took the long way to St. Vincent College.
He played his college football at Mercyhurst, was signed by and then released by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted rookie in 2012 and then spent two seasons with the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
"It's been a long journey but I've enjoyed every bit of the way," Wild said.
The next stop is Heinz Field for Sunday's preseason game against Green Bay.
"It's definitely a lot of fun, nice to be back home playing," Wild said. "It's been a great experience so far."
