http://www.steelers.com/news/articl...entality/38d670df-047a-4c9c-9f6c-74f9b1bcd8dd
Ayers has a 'pit bull' mentality
Posted 26 minutes ago
Teresa Varley
Steelers.com
Demarcus Ayers takes pride in his physical play and blocking ability.
Pit bull: If there is one thing rookie Demarcus Ayers learned right away about being a Steelers’ receiver, it’s that blocking is as important as catching a pass.
Ayers, who is listed at 5-11, 190, but said he is 5-10, has no problem throwing blocks for the offense, and was even referred to by offensive coordinator Todd Haley as, ‘a little pit bull,’ when it comes to blocking.
“It gets me going,” said Ayers. “Either get hit or hit someone. My first play in the league, my mindset was go get somebody. After that I got going. The physicality of the football game is one of the things I have always enjoyed. I learned a lot from it. I got my toughness from it. I enjoy going out and putting it all on the line for my teammates, creating holes, creating lanes. I look at myself as a pit bull. I am 5-10. A lot of people don’t think my frame can do it. My mindset is going in there and attacking anybody that stands in my way.”
Ayers said he watched former Steelers’ receiver Hines Ward play and seeing him be a premier blocker inspired him.
“I watched Hines a lot growing up, all the plays he made here,” said Ayers. “Similar guy, more weight than I had, but fiery, willing to get the job done at all costs. Guys like that changed the game for smaller receivers and showed guys around the league, and guys that are 5-9, 5-11, can dig down and show some toughness and heart.”
Ayers has a 'pit bull' mentality
Posted 26 minutes ago
Teresa Varley
Steelers.com
Demarcus Ayers takes pride in his physical play and blocking ability.
Pit bull: If there is one thing rookie Demarcus Ayers learned right away about being a Steelers’ receiver, it’s that blocking is as important as catching a pass.
Ayers, who is listed at 5-11, 190, but said he is 5-10, has no problem throwing blocks for the offense, and was even referred to by offensive coordinator Todd Haley as, ‘a little pit bull,’ when it comes to blocking.
“It gets me going,” said Ayers. “Either get hit or hit someone. My first play in the league, my mindset was go get somebody. After that I got going. The physicality of the football game is one of the things I have always enjoyed. I learned a lot from it. I got my toughness from it. I enjoy going out and putting it all on the line for my teammates, creating holes, creating lanes. I look at myself as a pit bull. I am 5-10. A lot of people don’t think my frame can do it. My mindset is going in there and attacking anybody that stands in my way.”
Ayers said he watched former Steelers’ receiver Hines Ward play and seeing him be a premier blocker inspired him.
“I watched Hines a lot growing up, all the plays he made here,” said Ayers. “Similar guy, more weight than I had, but fiery, willing to get the job done at all costs. Guys like that changed the game for smaller receivers and showed guys around the league, and guys that are 5-9, 5-11, can dig down and show some toughness and heart.”
