Mentors gone, Steelers nose tackle Steve McLendon ready to become big man in middle
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Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Steve McLendon is ready to make his mentors proud.
Following the retirement of Chris Hoke and the departure of five-time Pro Bowler Casey Hampton, McLendon now finds himself as the big man in the middle of Pittsburgh's 3-4 defense.
McLendon split time with Hampton last season, picking up two sacks. The 27-year-old says he's been preparing to be a starter his entire career, even when he was just trying to make the team as an undrafted free agent.
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McLendon understands he isn't Hampton, but believes he can be effective. Al Woods and second-year man Alameda Ta'amu will compete for the backup spot. Ta'amu says he has learned from his mistakes last season a run-in with police forced the Steelers to cut him before bringing him back as a practice squad player.