Max Hurleman isn't the name Pittsburgh Steelers fans are circling before training camp, which is exactly why he belongs on the radar. He spent last season developing on the practice squad , and his mix of return ability, receiving experience, and coverage work gives him more paths to a roster spot than the average fourth-string running back. He is now heading to Latrobe as a long-shot roster piece.
Hurleman, 24, hasn't played an NFL snap, but his college rsum gives him more ways to help than just as a depth running back. At Notre Dame, he returned punts and logged 13 special-teams tackles. At Colgate, he caught 80 passes, rushed for 814 yards and handled both punt and kickoff returns.
Hurleman stole the show with his versatility at OTAs. That's the key to him surviving August cutdowns. Pittsburgh doesn't need him to outrun Jaylen Warren or Rico Dowdle . He just needs to make coaches think twice when they start counting game-day roles, especially on special teams, where versatility can save a roster spot.
Hurleman's cleanest path runs through returns and coverage. A steady camp fielding punts, handling kickoffs, and chasing returners would put him into a crowded conversation with Kaden Wetjen, Donte Kent , and Eli Heidenreich.
His receiving background adds another layer. An offense carrying Warren and Dowdle could use a fourth back who can catch checkdowns, motion into the slot, and survive emergency snaps at receiver. We won't be seeing any Hurleman jerseys, but having that flexibility is critical.
Travis Homer already owns the reputation of a special-teams ace , which gives him a head start. Lew Nichols has spent time in the system, while Heidenreich brings similar hybrid appeal and Wetjen offers speed. Hurleman must convince coaches he can cover enough of those assignments without becoming a jack of all trades, master of none.
A strong preseason would crowd an already competitive battle for the final few roster spots. Pittsburgh could keep Homer for proven coverage work, lean toward Heidenreich's offensive upside, or prioritize a return specialist. Hurleman can separate himself by being reliable in every phase the coaches ask him to handle.
Preseason roster battles often turn on a dime. Hurleman may only need a few noticeable plays to climb the special-teams pecking order. A secure punt return, a tackle in space, and a catch can buy more reps when every preseason snap is critical for bubble players.
Hurleman started as a tryout player and spent a year learning without taking a regular-season snap. By the final preseason game, he could force Pittsburgh to choose between established specialists and the guy who can back up three positions while covering punts -- extremely valuable with limited roster spots.
This article was originally published on www.stillcurtain.com as Steelers' best-case training camp surprise might already be on the roster .
