Heyward: Lost Weight To Be More Agile
PITTSBURGH (KDKA 93-7 The Fan) -- Former Steelers first-round draft choice Cam Heyward is entering his third season with the team.
Some people say that the third season is where players can make tremendous strides. Heyward told Bob Pompeani that he wants to have more of an impact now that he feels more comfortable with the playbook.
"Going into this season, I'm just looking to be more consistent," Heyward said.
The biggest change that fans will notice on the defensive line is Steve McLendon replacing Casey Hampton at nose tackle. Hampton was very vocal making defensive calls, but Heyward said that the club still has vocal leaders on the defensive line.
"Not having Casey here, it's a different feeling," he said. "We're not going to replace him, but we have to make up for it in different ways."
Heyward lost weight during the offseason and told Pompeani that there will be benefits to being lighter.
"I think it can help me just being more agile," Heyward said. "For a 3-4 defensive end, you gotta be able to move laterally. That was my main goal, moving laterally and being able to get off the ball."
