The Steelers got themselves an F-350 in Yahya Black

Pittsburgh Steelers fans have been clamoring for a big-bodied defensive linemen since Casey Hampton retired, and while there is only one “Big Snack”, they finally have a big man in the middle of the defensive line.

In case you didn’t know, I’m referring to the team’s 5th Round pick out of Iowa, Yahya Black.

Black is listed on the Steelers Official Website as being 6’5″ 336lbs. That’s a large human being, and when Mike Tomlin spoke with the media Saturday he gave Black a tremendous nickname.

“There’s F-150s,” said Tomlin. “He’s like an F-350. He’s a big man.”

Black knows he is a large person, he doesn’t need a special nickname to remind him, but he was intrigued by Tomlin’s analogy of the F-350.

“I think there’s some big people out there, but yeah, I’d say I’m pretty big,” said Black. “I don’t know what an F-350 looks like, but I might have to look that up after this.”

Outside of Black’s overall size, the question many people have as an interior defensive lineman is, “What is his play style like?”

I’ll just let Black describe his own style of play…

“I’ve always been a run through your face type of person,” said Black. “I’m glad other people notice it too. I’m a run stopper guy, so I’m going to do everything in my power to stop the run and then develop it in any other place that I need to.

“I’m a high-motor guy. I have that drive. It comes from my family. I’ve always been a family first person. I love to support them. I’ve got dreams and aspirations.”

When it comes to Black’s overall attitude and style of play, he credits it to his father and the coaches he had growing up, when he was being molded as a player.

“I got it at a young age from my dad and my coaches growing up,” said Black. “That’s always just been a big message that I’ve carried along with me.

“My dad, he was always a hard worker and always tried to put me in the best position, something that he couldn’t do himself as a kid. So, I recognized that growing up and probably never said it to him enough about how much he’s taught me how to be tough. But I really took it to heart.”

What Black’s role will be not just as a rookie, but within the Steelers defense, has yet to be seen. Many are wondering if the play style of a traditional nose tackle doesn’t exist within the modern Pittsburgh defense. If that’s the case, Black might go the way of other big-bodied defenders who have come before him. However, if he wants to avoid being the next Dan “Shade Tree” McCullers, he’ll have to play well enough where the Steelers have no choice but to put him on the field.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest on the Steelers F-350, and all the other rookies, on the final day of the Rookie Minicamp.