Pittsburgh Steelers rookie safety Shamarko Thomas said Thursday that watching fellow safeties Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark during mini camp was like watching a movie because of the way both fly around the field. With the Shamarknado movie still a few months away from its premier, the Syracuse product was asked how everything is going for him so far in training camp.
“It\’s going well, with a coach like coach [Carnell] Lake and Ryan Clark and Troy as my mentors, its going well,” said Thomas. “The game is slowing down for me and I\’m out there playing and having fun.”
Not only is the game slowing down for Thomas, he\’s also said he\’s sounding off more while he\’s on the field when asked if he feels the progression happening to him.
“Definitely, especially my communication. Now I\’m more vocal, I can call the plays and I know what I\’m doing and its just settling down for me,” he said.
Following the selection of Thomas in the 2013 NFL Draft, defensive backs coach Carnell Lake said Thomas would be capable of playing both safety spots as well as the nickel role in the slot. Thomas confirmed he\’s learning all three positions Thursday.
“Definitely, talking to Troy he said that\’s the way he learned the whole defense and it got him better as a safety, so I\’m willing to do the same,” Thomas said.
Thomas is blessed to have Polamalu and Clark heaping information on him daily and he fully understands it. During Wednesdays practice it was reported that he was suckered in by play action which resulted in a big completion to veteran receiver Plaxico Burress, who blew right past him. He said Thursday he understands he will make rookie mistakes and not read his keys right at times, but also knows it\’s better to get them out of system now instead of during games.
Thomas is as laid back as they come and you can\’t help but think he has a bright future ahead of him with the Steelers. The best thing, perhaps, is that the Steelers have time to continue the making of Shamarknado and the fourth-round pick doesn\’t feel any pressure right now.
“No pressure, just take it day by day, learn the system and give my effort, give my all each and every day,” he said.
