The pads finally went on in Latrobe today, and holy smokes, you could hear the popping all over Saint Vincent College! After all the chatter about no live tackling, the defense showed up with pure physicality. It was Day Five of training camp, and you know what that means: some players just hit different when the stakes get real.
Brisker’s Blitz and Doneiko’s Drive
No one benefited more from the pads being on than safety Jaquan Brisker. This dude was everywhere! He had a huge pass breakup during the 11-on-11 team period, shutting down a play cold. Then, later in that *same* period, Brisker came screaming off the edge on a safety blitz that would have been a monstrous sack on Mason Rudolph in a real game. Joey Bray summed it up perfectly: “Jaquan Brisker just came screaming off the edge on a blitz that would have ended up being a sack in a game. Brisker is having his best practice of camp today.” Considering how thin the Steelers are at free safety, Brisker is gonna have to carry a ton of responsibility early this season. If today was any indication, he’s absolutely ready for it. This was easily his best performance of camp so far.
But wait, there’s more defensive fireworks! If you’re hunting for a sleeper in the defensive back room, keep your eyes glued to Doneiko Slaughter. Everyone’s talking about Asante Samuel Jr., and yeah, he’s been great, but Slaughter’s play has been criminally underrated. He was around the ball constantly today, making big play after big play. We’re talking another pass breakup and then straight-up picking off a Will Howard downfield shot! Bray again: “Will Howard airs it out downfield but it’s picked off by Doneiko Slaughter who is having a really nice camp.” This 2025 undrafted free agent from Arkansas is having a phenomenal start to camp, making a huge statement in what’s already a stacked cornerback group. If he keeps this energy up into the preseason, the Steelers are gonna have a massive decision on their hands about how many corners they can keep.
Allar’s Arm Strength Is Legit
Switching gears to offense for a sec: third-round pick QB Drew Allar is quietly making a serious case for “wow” throws this camp. Today was no different. He planted his feet, launched a beauty of a deep ball, and dropped it right into Cole Burgess’s stride for a 50-plus yard touchdown. Yeah, Allar is still a work in progress, and Mike McCarthy is spending a lot of time with him and Will Howard. But you cannot deny the impact plays this guy is making. Even if he’s not expected to do much, if anything, this season, seeing throws like that is giving us plenty of reasons to get hyped for what’s coming.
The defense is hitting hard, and we’re seeing some serious talent emerge. With the preseason just around the corner, these guys are setting the tone early. Keep an eye on Brisker and Slaughter; if they continue this play, it’s gonna be a wild ride.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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