Everyone roots for the little guy, but in the case of Stefan Logan, it will take a ton off rooting and some luck to crack the Steelers final 53 man roster. Logan is competing for a running back spot in a very crowded Steeler backfield. To look at Logan physically, one would wonder how he has made it this far, but to see him in action on the football field, you can clearly see why.
Logan is in the mold of Chargers running back, Darren Sproles, very small, but very fast. He was a sprinter on the USD track team in college and it shows. Logan still possesses great speed at 28 and very rarely goes down on the first hit. Last season for the B.C. Lions he piled up 889 yards on just 122 carries and caught 52 passes for 477 yards and three touchdowns. He is a prototype third down back. His contributions do not stop there as he also averaged 15.9 yards per punt return and 28.2 yards per kick return in Canada.
The Steelers head into camp with 7 running backs on the roster with only 4 positions available on the roster. Veteran Mewelde Moore seems to be the biggest competition for Logan at this point, however Moore is a favorite of head coach Mike Tomlin, having come over from Minnesota. Moore is not as fast as Logan, but is more proven and can also contribute when needed in the return game and on special teams. Running backs coach Kirby Wilson has been quoted as saying the Lions will not likely get the services back of Logan. This is likely just coach speak or the Steelers might already be planning on a practice squad place for him.
Logan ultimately will not make the final 53 man team unless an injury to Moore occurs or Logan clearly outclasses all of the return men. He should have some exciting pre-season appearances, but in all likelihood will be hoping for a practice squad spot if he decides not to return to the CFL. Logan would make for an interesting Wildcat player to practice against during the week and a great reserve 3rd down back. The way injuries happen in the NFL, he could be just one or two plays from being on the active roster. Regardless, Logan will be fun to watch early on in preseason.
Below is some video and a phone interview of Logan.
