by Bo Marchionte

Pittsburgh – Marcus Allen is one happy man.

Never have I witnessed a player so excited about being part of something. His enthusiasm for his teammates is on another level. His passion to come to work every day has seldom been so apparent from a veteran entering his fifth season in the league.

“I love my squad,” Allen said exuberantly. “Love my team. The chemistry is outstanding from the rookies to the oldest vets. We are meshing good. We listen to the same music. We vibe. I love this team honestly.”

That message echoes throughout the locker room in Pittsburgh.

There is a vibe of positivity, an influx of youth that appears eager to get to work.

“Ultimately, I feel I great, being out there with my brothers again,” said Allen after minicamp practice. Allen remains vibrant in his gung-ho approach and zest for the game since being drafted by Pittsburgh in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Anyone who knows the history of Allen, is quick to reminisce about his days in Happy Valley where he was one of the most intimidating safeties in college football during his career at Penn State.

A thumper and pure thoroughbred for physicality, Allen was that hybrid type safety/linebacker we’ve become accustomed to seeing on the field in the modern-day age of the National Football League.

“As a linebacker I feel really well and excited for this year,” said Allen. “Honestly, I had to catch on quick cause they threw me in there and I wanted to play.

“So, honestly it just came naturally because I feel I’m such a physical player. All I got to do is learn the details of playing actual linebacker. So, with two years or so I feel way more comfortable at linebacker. Taking on blocks and shit.”

He has been a work in progress and his legacy at Penn State resonates on his potential to develop into a much larger contributor for Pittsburgh. The more comfortable he feels the better he’ll perform. Simple enough, but Allen must capitalize on every rep to this summer to proof more snaps are available.

The biggest addition to the linebacker unit is Myles Jack who signed with Pittsburgh after being released from the Jacksonville Jaguars. According to Allen, the newcomer meshed his way in beautifully with the unit.

“Love him,” said Allen. “Love him man. He’s a great guy. Well mannered. When we are on that field, we talk good shit. He’s perfect for that linebacker room.”

Devin Bush and Jack should man the interior with Robert Spillane being called upon first. Allen looks to build off his 62 snaps last season at linebacker. His true value is primarily as one of the key components to Pittsburgh’s special team’s unit.

“When I come to practice, I feel ecstatic,” said Allen. “I feel great being out here with my brothers. This is my thrive of the day, yah know. Then I go back home and sit my ass down.”

When he is not at home, he is over Spillane’s house watching film.

“We have a study group after practice,” explains Allen. “We go to Rob’s (Spillane) house. We call it the ‘Big House’. Rob’s girlfriend will cook somethings sometimes. Like one might we had steak. We got it in and watched film on the TV with Rob and break it down.

“This has been going on for two years actually.”

The camaraderie amongst the group is evident during stretch exercises with a group sharing laughs during team warms up prior to practice.

“I love these groups of guys that I’m with,” said Spillane. “Guys that are willing to learn and want to get better. Want to be good teammates to each other and that’s all you can ask for out of a teammate.”

While the cohesive unit is building and bonding over OTA’s and minicamp, Spillane views a much larger picture for the Steelers to stay successful.

“At the end of the day we want to be the best defensive unit,” said Spillane. “Being the best linebacker unit doesn’t win games. Being the best defensive unit helps wins games so that’s all 11 players and I think we are off to a great start this year.”

If Bush is healthy and the unit remains intact, they could be in store for a monster season collectively as a group.

Which may explain why Allen is so excited about being part of this unit.