Rookie QB Rhys Plumlee possesses uniqueness and personality
by Bo Marchionte
Published May 11, 2024, 02:31 PM
Pittsburgh PA – The Steelers overhauled their quarterback room this offseason was nothing short of incredible in the normal confines of how Pittsburgh does business in player development.
Kenny Pickett was traded away and brought in veterans Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Kyle Allen. After the NFL Draft concluded the team brought in a unique quarterback prospect that should be fun to watch in the coming months.
After the second day of rookie minicamp, a fascinating prospect was exiting the practice field. Asking for a few moments of his time he exited the herd of players leaving the field to speak with Joe Rutter (TribLive) and myself.
In an odd but comforting fashion the player reached out to shake hands and ask who we were. A far cry from the day before where several rookies elected not to speak at all while exiting the field.
“Bo and Joe,” John Rhys Plumlee said. “It’s pretty easy (to remember).
That was our introduction to one of the more versatile and intriguing prospects not only at Steelers camp but in the league this off-season, due to his vast ability to play different positions as well as different sports at an extremely high level.
Rhys Plumlee spent his collegiate career at Ole Miss and transferred to UCF to play both football and baseball. He made headlines when he suited up in the outfield for the Knights and also under center to play quarterback on the same day (April 14, 2023).
“I think I bring something different to the quarterback position,” Rhys Plumlee said after the second rookie practice. “I think I bring a third dimension to an offense that not a lot of teams can account for sometimes.”
Modestly built (6-foot, 200lbs), his athletic prowess are the ingredients that had several teams calling for a closer look at the Hattiesburg, Mississippi native. With 10 one-hundred-yard rushing performances along with a 212-yard outing in 2019, shows some of the tremendous qualities he brings to the table.
“Yeah, had a lot of teams call them but I felt like Pittsburgh was the right spot,” Rhys Plumlee said. “I felt like they believed in me, and it seemed like a great fit for me as well. So, I’m excited to be here.”
Rhys Plumlee had 5,838 yards passing, 2,556 yards rushing and 296 yards receiving during his college career. Oh yah, let’s not forget his 11 home runs with Mississippi and Central Florida.
“We have guys that that look like me a little bit right, super athletic guys and guys that can extend,” Rhys Plumlee said on why Pittsburgh felt like a good fit. “So, I think that’s maybe something that drew their interest.”
Rhys Plumlee is worth watching, especially with new offensive coordinator Author Smith in Pittsburgh. His use of Marcus Mariota in Atlanta during his time as the Falcons head coach proves his desire for an athletic quarterback able to extend plays.
Remember PIttsburgh sought the services of another undrafted quarterback in 2019 in Devlin “Duck” Hodges, the three-time SoCon Offensive Player of the Year and NCAA FCS career passing yards leader.
The unpredictability of two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger went on IR that same season leaving Hodges starting six games and becoming a cult hero in Pittsburgh in that brief moment in time.
Rhys Plumlee brings that same charisma.
