Pittsburgh Steelers work out Ray Graham
Pittsburgh Panthers running back Ray Graham (1) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
I always love watching a player who starred in college play for a pro team in that same city. You know, like the way Case Keenum is starting for the Houston Texans. That might just happen in Pittsburgh, as the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ed Bouchette is reporting that the Steelers are working out former Pitt star Ray Graham today.
Graham was recently released by the Houston Texans, but the workout with the Steelers makes plenty of sense. Not only is he a hometown hero, but he could also help this team out. He has practice squad eligibility and would definitely be worth that flier, and he could also provide the Steelers with some quality depth at the running back position (if they are so inclined).
Even after multiple, major knee injuries in college, Graham is still a talented running back. In fact, talent, efficiency on the ground, and overall ability have never been question marks when it comes to Graham; those dreaded injuries certainly have been. It’s those injuries that prevented Graham from getting his deserved due as a college athlete, but I think just about everyone in the city of Pittsburgh understands how much of an impact he had on the Panthers. I mean, he’s ahead of names like Tony Dorsett and LeSean McCoy as Pitt’s all-time leader in rushing yards. I sincerely hope Graham gets a shot on somebody’s practice squad or roster soon, because he does have talent. Health is a big question mark, but he’s a feel-good story. And yes, I’m the wimp who roots for a “hometown” player (he’s really from New Jersey) signing with an NFL team and having success there.