INDIANAPOLIS — Jihad Ward, a former wide receiver turned defensive lineman from Illinois, already has been under the watchful eye, not to mention a verbal prodding, of Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.
With Tomlin watching him go through drills on the field at the Senior Bowl, Ward said Tomlin was in his ear, saying “Let’s go 17,” pushing him to do even better.
“He was so pumped up, I guess,” said Ward, who wore No. 17 at Illinois. “He loves defensive linemen. It was a blessing to see him. He was excited to see us hitting the bag and getting off the ball.