The Pittsburgh Steelers may have to turn to second-year defensive end DeMarvin Leal in their season opener against the San Francisco 49ers. With starter Larry Ogunjobi questionable with a foot injury, the former third-round pick could be in line to start, but he's ready.
Leal entered his second season with more direction on his expectations. As a rookie, the Steelers utilized the defender across the defensive line, playing tackle and edge. This year, he's strictly an inside option, and has worked pretty exclusively behind Ogunjobi throughout the offseason.
"Last year was a learning lesson," Leal said. "There were a lot of things that developed into my game that I had to put into my game on the fly. I feel like I adjusted pretty well for the first year doing a lot of different things. That helped me for this year knowing what I need to study, gave me more of a perspective to get ready."
If Ogunjobi isn't ready to play, Leal said he's ready. He also laughed about how deep the Steelers defensive line is, and how he "can't even answer" how good the group could be when you look at the group as a whole.
"I want to earn more of their trust," Leal said. "I know there is more to earn. I have things to prove to myself. That goes with it. Hopefully, we can be the best defensive line in the country."
The Steelers will make a game-time decision on Ogunjobi, but if he does not play, they'll call upon Leal. And the second-year defensive end is ready.
"I feel a lot more confident," Leal said. "When you have that confidence, playing with a team like this, it helps you be able to build your game and be more confident in yourself and do things that you knew you could do from the jump and just put them on display."
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