PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — Willie Colon will no longer be a tackle on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line.

Rather, he has been practicing and preparing to start next season at left guard.

“They moved me to left guard now. I am learning that,” Colon said, according to a report on the Steelers official website. “That is a challenge for me. As a tackle you are used to just being an athlete, left on an island. But as a guard I am between the tackle and (Maurkice) Pouncey, the verbiage and how to work with those guys I am learning. When you are in the middle things happen faster. When I am at tackle I have the whole side of the sideline to work with. At guard I am in a box where I have to work faster and react faster. I have to be more aware of calls. On the flip side I get to get after people.”

Colon has missed the last two years to injuries, but his natural position is right tackle. With the move, Marcus Gilbert will likely remain at right tackle, which is where he played last season in Colon’s absence.

Pouncey will remain the starting center.

First-round draft pick David Decastro is expected by many to be the team’ starting right guard. Second-round draft pick Mike Adams could then start at left tackle if he’s ready.

“Before the draft it was never heard of, I was staying at tackle,” Colon said. “We drafted DeCastro and I get a call the next day that we are moving you to guard. I was never against it. It wasn’t something I frowned upon. For me to still be here, still be a Steeler and still have the chance to crack that starting lineup, I am blessed. I just want to compete and be the best that I can be.”

Steelers OTAs begin May 22.

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