Camp Blog: Setting the tone

Top-notch tips: Dan Moore Jr. admitted starting as a rookie at left tackle, one of the most challenging positions in the NFL, had its ups and downs last season.

“It was extremely difficult,” said Moore. “To put it in words, it wouldn’t do it enough justice.”

But that was a year ago, and Moore has taken huge steps, including having a strong camp at Saint Vincent College.

“I knew I would make a big jump, based off it’s kind of natural anyone would,” said Moore. “You do something once, obviously the second time around you feel that much better. And if you don’t, then you probably won’t be there for a long time. So, I’m just taking that, grasping it and not letting that opportunity slip past me.”

And while doing it, Moore is getting some tips along the way from those who have been there before. He has talked to former Steelers tackles Ramon Foster and Max Starks, who is at training camp this year as part of the Steelers broadcast team.

“I am talking to big Max a lot and just getting to know him,” said Moore. “He blocked a long time for Big Ben (Roethlisberger). He is definitely helping me for sure.

“Not only Max, but Ramon Foster. They tell me keep improving, working technique, leading. Just doing what I am doing.

“It means a lot. It means they are seeing something in me. Guys aren’t going to waste their time and help someone if they don’t see the potential. When you talk about the Steelers tradition, and things being passed on. A young guy like myself you don’t see that around in a lot of other organizations.”

Starks said the relationship with Moore started to develop last season and has just continued to grow as he is watching the young lineman grow.

“I met Dan last season, by myself coming in as a new sideline reporter, I didn’t know what I could or couldn’t do,” said Starks. “As the season went on, I introduced myself to him. He asked if I had any advice for him since I was seeing it live. I gave him a couple of tips. Tried to relay some of my experience. You have to show credibility. We developed that relationship where I can tell him you might want to work on this, here is a key for you. You are starting at one of the toughest positions in all of football having to block the best guy across from you. He is blocking Pro Bowlers, high sack guys, first rounders, week in and week out. It can be a lonely feeling. Being a fellow third rounder I felt something.

“Seeing his growth, his toughness is great. When you are playing that position, and so young, every experience is a new experience for you, something to add to your data bank. I told him don’t lose the lesson in all of these encounters. You can get down on yourself on a bad play. I told him don’t dwell on it but remember it. When you go back and watch film, where were your hands, where were your feet, what do you do wrong, what were you thinking. Replay that and take notes. I am trying to not be a big brother, but that person who sees it from afar and is trying to shepherd him.”