Had Pittsburgh Steelers rookie safety Gerod Holliman showed last season that he could be a reliable tackler against the run, he might very well have heard his name called last weekend prior to the seventh-round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Even though the Louisville product did lead the nation last year with 14 interceptions, all of the focus has been on his lack of tackling ability, but that doesn’t seem to bother him.
“I don’t pay attention to it,” said Holliman after Thursdays rookie minicamp practice, according to Steelers Nation Radio. “I know that I’m a great player and I just take the criticism from the coaches and I’ll make myself better off of what they want from me.”
Eve though Holliman seems to be best-suited to play the free safety position at the NFL level, he’s not willing to put limit on himself and his abilities as it relates to possibly playing the strong spot as well.
“I don’t limit myself as nothing, said Holliman. “I just see myself as a great safety, so I feel like I can play anywhere in the backend, wherever they need me.”
During the rest of the offseason, Holliman will likely have to battle several young safeties already on the roster for a spot on the final 53 man unit and that means he better a solid special teams player.
“I came into Louisville playing special teams. That was my way of getting on the field at first,” said Holliman. “So I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win.”
Holliman started just 11-of-27 games at Louisville before declaring for the draft as an underclassman this past January. He started nine of the 13 games that he played in last season and recorded a career-high 44 tackles (34 solos) with a sack and the 14 interceptions.
