They're no 'Slash,' but these college QBs try hand at WR with Steelers

[stillers4me]

Steelers receiver Markus Wheaton wasn't selling out his position peers when he said, “I think quarterbacks have the best hands on the team.”


But teammate Bruce Gradkowski, perhaps, was a little biased when he said, “I feel like all quarterbacks are athletic.”


The Steelers, who arguably have had as much success as anyone during the past two decades using former college quarterbacks as wide receivers, once again are putting those theories to the test.


Devin Gardner and Tyler Murphy combined for 46 collegiate starts at quarterback for Power 5 conference teams. But each is listed on the Steelers roster as a wide receiver after being acquired as undrafted free agents earlier this month..............



Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/8458010-74/receiver-murphy-quarterback#ixzz3bj8iOx5T

[Craic]

Still wonder what Stewart's career would have been like had he stayed in his Slash role. Probably a lot longer, that's for sure.

[GBMelBlount]

Since 1995, the Steelers have drafted Kordell Stewart, Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle El. Each played at least some quarterback at a big-time college and experienced success as a receiver in the NFL.

Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/8458010-74/receiver-murphy-quarterback#ixzz3bjYKzRSJ
Follow us: @triblive on Twitter | triblive on Facebook

I think Ward was primarily a receiver in college.

[tube517]

I think Ward was primarily a receiver in college.

Ward also played some RB at UGA.

Probably his biggest game at QB. (There is another Steeler in this highlight video):



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuEqL4V-XI8

[hawaiiansteeler]

Former Boston College quarterback Tyler Murphy was brought on as an undrafted free agent, not to compete for a No. 3 quarterback job—though that may still be on the table. No, Murphy, much like former Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner, was brought on to be a wide receiver. And Murphy is already turning heads in OTAs, which could make for an interesting positional battle as the summer wears on.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Chris Adamski notes, "Murphy has taken part in drills and meetings at quarterback and receiver during rookie camp and organized team activities." But he's also working as a holder in kicking drills.

Murphy is willing to do whatever it takes to stick on the Steelers' roster, saying:

[Coach Mike Tomlin] definitely says it a lot: 'The more you can do, the better.' So I'm just trying to display that I can help out at the receiver position if needed and I can help out the quarterback position if needed and just different things, whether it's holding or trying to block a punt. I'm just trying to find a way to continue to play football.

Fellow receiver Markus Wheaton said that Murphy "looked really good" in practices thus far. Though Murphy will have to master the nuances of the receiver position, such as route-running, Murphy's willingness to do it all makes him a player to watch this summer.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2482182-pittsburgh-steelers-ota-standouts-worth-keeping-an-eye-on-this-offseason

[hawaiiansteeler]

Gardner adjusting to WR

Teresa Varley Steelers.com

http://www.steelers.com/assets/images/imported/PIT/photos/2015-Photos/2015_Article/06_June/Gardner_06012015_Article_1.jpg

Rookie Devin Gardner is making the move from QB to WR.

It’s better to receive: Rookie Devin Gardner is taking advantage of every rep he gets during the Steelers OTAs, learning as much as he can. And for good reason. The former Michigan quarterback has made the transition to wide receiver, and is making all of the necessary adjustments required.

“It’s a different kind of work,” said Gardner. “At quarterback you don’t do much running. You run every once in a while, but you control when the play starts. It’s a different kind of conditioning, a feel.

“I am getting more used to it. I am trying to get better every day. It’s not something in particular where I am really struggling. Catch the ball well, run well and get open. Those are the key things to be a receiver.”

Gardner played wide receiver during the 2012 season at Michigan, but late in the year transitioned to quarterback and remained there for the next two seasons.

“I am excited to do whatever I can to make the roster,” said Gardner. “I am excited to get a chance to start blocking and stuff (in training camp) and show different kinds of toughness, things you can’t show in shorts. As far as receivers go and going against defensive backs, pads, shorts, it’s all the same.”

to read rest of article:

http://www.steelers.com/news/article...3-deca140606ef

[86WARD]

I'd like to see Gardner catch on...

[slashsteel]

Still wonder what Stewart's career would have been like had he stayed in his Slash role. Probably a lot longer, that's for sure.


He could have redefined that role into pro bowl appearances.

He got to big headed and hadddddd to be a QB.

[86WARD]

Still wonder what Stewart's career would have been like had he stayed in his Slash role. Probably a lot longer, that's for sure.

I felt like at the time and still do feel like he would've been special...it would've been glorious. I mean he was more of the Wildcat guy than Ronnie Brown, Brad Smith, David Palmer or any of these other guys were...

[86WARD]

Gardner in at QB too...

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/06/04/steelers-trying-devin-gardner-at-quarterback/