Fleet Steelers returner downplays long odds

[fordfixer]

Fleet Steelers returner downplays long odds

By John Harris, TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Tuesday, May 19, 2009

[url="http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_625718.html"]http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... 25718.html[/url]


Steelers rookie Stefan Logan has never accepted no for an answer, and he isn't ready to begin now.

Logan — generously listed at 5-foot-7, 185 pounds — is a running back/kick returner who knows all about overcoming steep odds.

An undrafted free agent from the Canadian Football League via the University of South Dakota, Logan is the longest of long shots competing for a roster spot with the defending Super Bowl champion.

Logan knows the Steelers are looking to improve their return game. Locating cracks and crevices in the defense while hitting top speed in a single stride is what Logan does best. He's waited his entire football career for an opportunity like this one.

"Coach (Mike) Tomlin made a nice point about (how) the return game has been slacking, been a little off," said Logan, who resumes voluntary workouts with the Steelers today. "He put it in our heads if you want to make this team, the return game needs to step it up a little bit.

"That was a steppingstone for me, letting me know that to make this team, get out there and return those punts and kickoffs. That's one thing I'm going to be focused on."

Logan carried the ball 122 times for 899 yards and had 52 receptions for 477 yards and three touchdowns with the British Columbia Lions last season. He felt so confident about receiving a fair shot with the Steelers that he bypassed tryout opportunities with other teams, including the Carolina Panthers.

Initially, Logan seemed to have a legitimate shot to compete for a job. Tomlin wants Super Bowl XLIII MVP Santonio Holmes to be a full-time receiver and not have to return punts, which is Logan's specialty. The Steelers also need to improve their kickoff returns; Carey Davis and Gary Russell shared those duties last season, with neither player having much success.

After signing Logan, the Steelers drafted two players who can also return kicks: third-round draft pick Mike Wallace, a receiver; and fifth-round pick Joe Burnett, a cornerback.

"A lot of people judge smaller guys because of their size, thinking we can't get those tough, hard yards, or we can't make those big blocks. But when somebody's got a lot of heart and they're going to put it all out there on the field, don't take that away from them. Let them show what you can do," Logan said. "I'm that type of guy. I'm going to put it all on the line for you."

Logan attracted attention during the Steelers' recent minicamp when he caught a short pass and sidestepped nose tackle Chris Hoke, who appeared to have him trapped along the sideline. It was a move similar to one perfected by fleet San Diego Chargers running back Darren Sproles, who has been a reference point for Logan.

"Looking at him and looking at me, we've kind of got the same kind of frame. Both of us are short, quick tailbacks," said Logan, who turns 28 next month. "A lot of people compare me to Sproles and what he did and what he's going to continue to do. He's a great player. I watched him at Kansas State. I even compared myself to him. When I get the chance, I let my play on the field speak for itself."

[Djfan]

I love these types of stories.

[Oviedo]

I love these types of stories.

Me too, but I'd rather see Burnett and Wallace show they can own the return duties as rookies.

[phillyesq]

I love these types of stories.

Me too, but I'd rather see Burnett and Wallace show they can own the return duties as rookies.

I agree. If Logan makes the team, it means that Burnett and Wallace failed to demonstrate that they can take the job, and I'd much rather see one of those two succeed.

[Snatch98]

I love these types of stories.

Me too, but I'd rather see Burnett and Wallace show they can own the return duties as rookies.

I agree. If Logan makes the team, it means that Burnett and Wallace failed to demonstrate that they can take the job, and I'd much rather see one of those two succeed.

I don't understand this type of position sometimes. Yes Wallace and Burnett were drafted for their vesatility but that's not all they were drafted for and because of that fact if Logan beats them out why does it reflect negatively on the two in question? It doesn't in my opinion it just means whomever wins is exceptional at that particular craft. The ONLY way Logan makes the team with our RB depth is by excelling in the return game. I hope he does and certainly won't look down upon Wallace or Burnett if Logan gets it done. You're comparing a veteran next level player CFL or not to a couple of rookies.

[True Fan]

hopefully someone else can take over the return duties. if logan secures the job, it means a roster spot wasted on a one dimensional player and would cost us a player that will be forced to the practice squad and potentially lost to another team

[RuthlessBurgher]

I love these types of stories.

Me too, but I'd rather see Burnett and Wallace show they can own the return duties as rookies.

I agree. If Logan makes the team, it means that Burnett and Wallace failed to demonstrate that they can take the job, and I'd much rather see one of those two succeed.

I don't understand this type of position sometimes. Yes Wallace and Burnett were drafted for their vesatility but that's not all they were drafted for and because of that fact if Logan beats them out why does it reflect negatively on the two in question? It doesn't in my opinion it just means whomever wins is exceptional at that particular craft. The ONLY way Logan makes the team with our RB depth is by excelling in the return game. I hope he does and certainly won't look down upon Wallace or Burnett if Logan gets it done. You're comparing a veteran next level player CFL or not to a couple of rookies.

If Wallace and/or Burnett are your returners, they also provide depth at WR and CB. But Logan appears to be solely a return specialist. That's the difference. You don't want to use a gameday roster spot on a guy who only does one specialized thing only (with Parker, Mendenhall, Moore, Summers at RB, Logan isn't going to contribute as a RB).

[BradshawsHairdresser]

hopefully someone else can take over the return duties. if logan secures the job, it means a roster spot wasted on a one dimensional player and would cost us a player that will be forced to the practice squad and potentially lost to another team

If Logan turns out to be as good as Darren Sproles, he wouldn't be a one-dimensional player, and it certainly wouldn't be a wasted roster spot. I think the Steelers would figure out a way to get him on the field and producing.

[BradshawsHairdresser]

I love these types of stories.

Me too, but I'd rather see Burnett and Wallace show they can own the return duties as rookies.

I agree. If Logan makes the team, it means that Burnett and Wallace failed to demonstrate that they can take the job, and I'd much rather see one of those two succeed.

I don't understand this type of position sometimes. Yes Wallace and Burnett were drafted for their vesatility but that's not all they were drafted for and because of that fact if Logan beats them out why does it reflect negatively on the two in question? It doesn't in my opinion it just means whomever wins is exceptional at that particular craft. The ONLY way Logan makes the team with our RB depth is by excelling in the return game. I hope he does and certainly won't look down upon Wallace or Burnett if Logan gets it done. You're comparing a veteran next level player CFL or not to a couple of rookies.

If Wallace and/or Burnett are your returners, they also provide depth at WR and CB. But Logan appears to be solely a return specialist. That's the difference. You don't want to use a gameday roster spot on a guy who only does one specialized thing only (with Parker, Mendenhall, Moore, Summers at RB, Logan isn't going to contribute as a RB).

See my answer in the previous post.

[Snatch98]

hopefully someone else can take over the return duties. if logan secures the job, it means a roster spot wasted on a one dimensional player and would cost us a player that will be forced to the practice squad and potentially lost to another team

In response to this as well as ruthless did Rossum play anywhere else for us? and let's not downplay in the importance of a electic return man if he can be that for our squad. I guess we'll see what happens. I do agree with the position flexability but if he's phenomenal I wouldn't care in the slightest if he ONLY returned kicks.