New Steelers CB Has Long History with DK Metcalf: ‘He Was a Handful’
PITTSBURGH — New Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols revealed during his introductory press conference that he played against DK Metcalf in high school in Mississippi.
Echols was born in Memphis, but he played his high school ball at Southaven High School in Mississippi, while Metcalf played at Oxford High School. The two will now be teammates in Pittsburgh. Metcalf was acquired by the Steelers in a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night.
Just like in the NFL, Metcalf towered over defenders in high school.
“Man, (DK ) was a handful, I will say that,” Echols said about Metcalf.
Echols also said that he knew about Calvin Austin III in high school, but he didn’t know him. Austin went to high school at Harding Academy in Memphis.
Echols, who was formerly with the New York Jets, also reflected on playing against George Pickens and the Steelers last season.
“Just getting ready for George Pickens. That’s all I was worried about,” Echols said about preparing for the game.
Echols said Pickens has a “relentless attitude; you don’t know what you might get from him sometimes.” He looks forward to competing against him in training camp and practice.
Pickens caught a touchdown over Echols in the Steelers’ Week 7 win over the Jets last season.
Echols recorded five interceptions, 16 passes defended and two pick-sixes during his four-year tenure with the Jets.
Echols, who played his college ball at Kentucky, was a sixth-round draft pick by the Jets in 2021. Echols played in 57 games and started 19 during his time with the Jets. Thirteen of those starts came in his rookie year.
Echols is a versatile corner who can play on the outside and in the slot. He’s also a solid special teams player.
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh.