As I'm sure most of you know, Travon McMillian is in camp with Pittsburgh right now competing for a roster spot. I grew up in Pittsburgh, both of my parents work in the media there, so whenever there is an opportunity, I reach out and see if either of them can help me out, which they did! All McMillian quotes were gathered from Steelers' camp in Latrobe this morning, whereas I caught up with Darian Hagan myself at CU practice earlier. Really hoping Travon makes the team. He just needs a chunkier opportunity to show his stuff. He gets that, and I'm sure he'll be OK.
STORY:
Former Colorado tailback Travon McMillian, who rushed for 1,009 yards in lone year with the Buffs last season, was signed by Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent back in April and has been working to earn a roster spot ever since.
That route has been far from easy. Behind started James Connor is second-year RB Jaylen Samuels (who's established himself as the de facto 2nd running back) plus Benny Snell, the Steelers' fourth round pick in 2019.
In spite of facing an uphill battle, McMillian is determined to make the team with Pittsburgh.
McMillian took two carries late in the Steelers' first preseason game versus Tampa Bay last Friday which resulted in no gain. Not the flashiest results, but McMillian has gotten his first taste of NFL football.
Pittsburgh will play the Chiefs on Saturday and McMillian will no doubt be looking for his next chance to make an impression.
“I don’t really know what the rotation is going to look at, but whatever bones they throw at me, I’m going to make the most of them," he said.
McMillian's former coach at Colorado, Darian Hagan, offered similar advice.
“He’s a little frustrated," Hagan said. "He’s not getting the reps that he wants but like I told him, I said don’t worry about the reps that you want, the reps that you get, make sure they’re quality. He’s playing a lot of special teams, starting on punt and kickoff and that’s where [Phil Lindsay] made his money. Do the same thing and you can make your money on special teams but don’t mope or whine. It’ll all work out for you.”
That's not to say that McMillian isn't relishing an opportunity to make it in the NFL.
“There’s no better franchise to be than with the Pittsburgh Steelers," he said. "It’s a blessing to be here and to be playing. I’m going to continue to grind and make the most of my opportunities. Hopefully I’ll make this team.”
Even at the NFL level, there are always things to learn and improve upon. McMillian has aimed to do just that this August and beyond.
“I’ve just been taking it day by day," he said. "Whatever opportunities I get I just try to take advantage of. I’ve been learning from the vets like James Connor and been trying to improve my game every day. [The vets have taught me] how to set up our blockers better, how to press holes and to be patient at times — stuff that you continuously learn as a running back."
For McMillian, it all comes down to getting an opportunity. Versus the Chiefs this weekend, he hopes to get that chance.
“I know how explosive I am, I know the kind of athlete I am and that I can take it to the house. As long as I get some more opportunities, I’ll be able to showcase my skills.”
STORY:
Former Colorado tailback Travon McMillian, who rushed for 1,009 yards in lone year with the Buffs last season, was signed by Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent back in April and has been working to earn a roster spot ever since.
That route has been far from easy. Behind started James Connor is second-year RB Jaylen Samuels (who's established himself as the de facto 2nd running back) plus Benny Snell, the Steelers' fourth round pick in 2019.
In spite of facing an uphill battle, McMillian is determined to make the team with Pittsburgh.
McMillian took two carries late in the Steelers' first preseason game versus Tampa Bay last Friday which resulted in no gain. Not the flashiest results, but McMillian has gotten his first taste of NFL football.
Pittsburgh will play the Chiefs on Saturday and McMillian will no doubt be looking for his next chance to make an impression.
“I don’t really know what the rotation is going to look at, but whatever bones they throw at me, I’m going to make the most of them," he said.
McMillian's former coach at Colorado, Darian Hagan, offered similar advice.
“He’s a little frustrated," Hagan said. "He’s not getting the reps that he wants but like I told him, I said don’t worry about the reps that you want, the reps that you get, make sure they’re quality. He’s playing a lot of special teams, starting on punt and kickoff and that’s where [Phil Lindsay] made his money. Do the same thing and you can make your money on special teams but don’t mope or whine. It’ll all work out for you.”
That's not to say that McMillian isn't relishing an opportunity to make it in the NFL.
“There’s no better franchise to be than with the Pittsburgh Steelers," he said. "It’s a blessing to be here and to be playing. I’m going to continue to grind and make the most of my opportunities. Hopefully I’ll make this team.”
Even at the NFL level, there are always things to learn and improve upon. McMillian has aimed to do just that this August and beyond.
“I’ve just been taking it day by day," he said. "Whatever opportunities I get I just try to take advantage of. I’ve been learning from the vets like James Connor and been trying to improve my game every day. [The vets have taught me] how to set up our blockers better, how to press holes and to be patient at times — stuff that you continuously learn as a running back."
For McMillian, it all comes down to getting an opportunity. Versus the Chiefs this weekend, he hopes to get that chance.
“I know how explosive I am, I know the kind of athlete I am and that I can take it to the house. As long as I get some more opportunities, I’ll be able to showcase my skills.”
