Stephon Tuitt knows he’ll be counted on in his second season as the team’s starting defensive end. And it’s a role he seems ready for.
In an interview with Steelers.com’s Teresa Varley, Tuitt attributes his progress to the effort he put into his practices.
“I practice hard. From that time on the practice field, that’s how it clicked. When you do the same plays over and over again that is when it becomes second nature. That is when it clicked for me and I can say I really started playing.”
A strong work ethic is something Tuitt has been billed to have since he was drafted out of Notre Dame. We’ve already seen glimpses of it provided by trainer Chuck Smith of his workouts throughout the offseason. It’s an attitude that is going to be required for a player who could double his snap count in 2015.
He also realizes the benefit of the supporting cast around him. Notably, the presence of defensive line coach John Mitchell.
“I am with a group of great guys and have a coach who knows the game from the back of his head to the front of his head. I am here to work hard. I love it and I am here to do what I have to do.”
Tuitt finished 2015 with 17 tackles, a sack, and forced fumble across 397 snaps. You can bet those numbers will significantly rise this year.
