The Steelers annual Friday Night Lights. That time of year that unites football and family under bright lights at Latrobe Memorial Stadium.
As big of an event as it was last year, this year's version saw hundreds of fans stand in line to grab a seat for the event on a beautiful sunny evening. It was not your average event; it was one that set a Memorial Stadium attendance record of 13,957.
The Steelers arrived on school buses and took the time to greet the masses and sign autographs before the beginning of the session. Even with head coach Mike Tomlin absent for this year's event, still a spirited evening of football.
The storylines for the "Friday Night Lights" session: a "Gunner" receiver who was having his way, an offensive lineman that found his true calling, and George Pickens!
So Steelers fans, let's go!
Injury Report
Essentially, the same injury report from Day 7, with the exception of receiver Diontae Johnson, who participated in the session.
Day 8 Highlights And Top Performers
George Pickens Putting On A Show
Where do we begin. All the reports this week regarding receiver George Pickens have had one thing in common: it involved him embarrassing opposing defenders. In front of the bright lights, Pickens may have had his best day yet. During one-on-ones, he beat veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson, then beat Levi Wallace soundly for a touchdown. So far, he has been the best performer of week 2.
Gunner's Stock Is Rising
In the last few practices, a player that has been coming along quickly is receiver Gunner Olszewski. During today's session, he accounted for a touchdown in "seven shots", and was reportedly beating everyone in one-on-ones.
Kendrick Green The Fullback?
The Steelers may have found a place for Kendrick Green at fullback. During team drills, he dominated both linebackers Quince Roche and Toby Ndukwe and, for good measure, caught a pass from quarterback Mason Rudolph. Perhaps Green has found his true calling, as the team needs one.
Roderick Jones Finds An Answer For the "Ghost" Move.
Since Week 1, rookie Nick Herbig has beaten opposing offensive linemen with his signature 'ghost' move. Well, on this evening, rookie offensive lineman Roderick Jones became the first lineman to completely neutralize this move.
Rodney Williams Making An Impression
Tight end Rodney William found the right day to have arguably his best performance in camp. In addition to catching a touchdown during one-on-ones with tight ends and running backs, he recorded a 60-yard touchdown during team drills.