PITTSBURGH — When Justin Fields dropped back to pass during training camp at Saint Vincent College, he scanned the field and found an unlikely target vacant up the middle. The target was a fellow Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback who is trying out a new role to earn a spot on an NFL roster.

Since arriving in Pittsburgh, former Central Florida quarterback John Rhys Plumlee has caught everyone’s attention with his athleticism. First, he used his athleticism as a punt and kick returner in practice, which everyone thought was just extra drills. Then, he started the season opener as a kick returner and everyone realized that special teams were going to be a reality.

Next up was the wide receiver. Plumlee told the media after practice that he was told shortly before practice began that he would be working as a wide receiver. He finished the day with two catches, both from Fields.

“I’m here trying to live my dream and play at the highest level, play football at the highest level, and I’m ready for whatever that has to offer,” Plumlee said. “Obviously I see myself as a quarterback, but I can also do a lot of things.”

Plumlee is 6’1″ and has all the tools to be a successful NFL athlete. He ran for 28 touchdowns in college, including two seasons with double-digit rushing touchdowns.

He still has some work to do to earn a spot in Pittsburgh this season, but perhaps his versatility is one reason the Steelers are keeping him. They seem to like him as a player, otherwise they simply wouldn’t have added him to the roster as a quarterback.

“I’m expanding my arsenal, right? I’m trying to expand as much as I can and show how I can help in any way I can,” Plumlee said of the change. “I had a lot of fun out here with the guys today.”

Plumlee is a name to keep an eye on, if only for the excitement that comes with having a quarterback on the field who can multitask.

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