Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach Kent Stephenson said ex-Nebraska standout Brenden Stai had a misconception about playing in the NFL when he first joined the team.
"He came from Nebraska and thought he could play right away," Stephenson said. "But then it was like, `Whoa, I'm going to have to get going here.'" In this league, just being, big, strong and tough doesn't cut it." Stai, a 6-foot-4, 305-pounder, is one of three standouts from Nebraska's dominating 1994 offensive line that have learned that playing time doesn't always come easily in the NFL. Stai, a third-round draft choice, backs up veterans at both guard spots and plays on special teams for the Steelers, who are 3-2.
Rob Zatechka, a fourth-round pick, is in a similar position with the New York Giants (1-4), serving as a backup at left guard after playing tackle his senior season at Nebraska. Entering Sunday's game against Arizona, Zatechka, a 6-4, 307-pound graduate of Lincoln East, has played only one down at guard but has played extensively on special teams.
Second-round pick Zach Wiegert, the 1994 Outland Trophy winner as the nation's top interior lineman, apparently had won a starting spot at tackle with the St. Louis Rams before injuring his ankle in the preseason. On Thursday, St. Louis offensive hands here, footwork there," he said. "It's more of a science in the pros." Stai said he is adjusting to the more business-like approach of the NFL.
"You spend three hours in meetings every day," he said. "It's a lot of meetings and a lot of films. Sometimes, this is a lot of business, but you still try to have fun. I've been playing football since I was in the third grade, and this is the goal I've always had."
Zatechka said he is having "a blast" playing for the Giants.
"Dick Butkus once said the NFL is like high school without the homework." said Zatechka, who graduated from Nebraska with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average in biological sciences. "Actually, it's not quite like that, but this is an opportunity toi play football, which I've always loved." Stephenson said Stai has a chance to play in the NFL for more than 10 years. Zatechka, however, said it is difficult to tell how long he will last in the league.
"You look at some of these guys with huge amounts of talent, but they only last three to five years," Zatechka said. Zatechka "also said experience means a lot more in the NFL than it did in college.
"It's just knowing the people across from you and knowing how to deal with them," Zatechka said._ "You have to remember, you're; dealing with the best players in the game week in and week out."
According to Pittsburgh's Stephenson. it is rare to see a rookie offensive lineman start during his first season in the NFL, which makes Wiegert's ascension to the top of the Rams' depth chart at his position impressive. Although Stai is a backup for now, he has a bright future in the league, Stephenson said.
"He's doing fine," Stephenson said. "He's a tough football player. He wants to win, and he's not selfish. Every day, he tries to get better." Stephenson said rookie offensive linemen have to learn to react instinctively on their blocking assignments.
"They need to be perfect," he said. "If you're not perfect, your quarterback will be on the ground with cracked ribs, and it will be the lineman's fault. You can't have that."
Stai said blocking is different in the pros than it was in college.
"Here, it's step, step, technique,line coach Dan Radakovich said Wiegert has begun practicing again. But Radakovich said it is too early to tell whether Wiegert will be able to start when the Rams (4-1) - who are off this week - play Atlanta on Oct. 12.