Report: Steelers ‘Love’ Ohio State RB Trey Sermon on Day 2

Cale Berger |

Updated: Apr 27, 2021

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 19: Ohio State Buckeyes running back Trey Sermon (8) breaks through a tackle by Northwestern Wildcats defensive back Cameron Mitchell (21) during the Big 10 Championship game between the Northwestern Wildcats and Ohio State Buckeyes on December 19, 2020, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire)

If the Steelers pass on or are unable to select Alabama running back Najee Harris, they reportedly could have their eye on another ball carrier that appeared in the national championship game instead.

According to Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline, the Steelers “love” Ohio State’s Trey Sermon, and could target the running back on Day 2, especially if Harris is gone or they take an offensive lineman at No. 24.

“I’m told the team loves Ohio State’s Trey Sermon, as he’s a perfect fit for their system,” Pauline writes. “Some in the organization feel his playing style is similar to a young Le’Veon Bell. Hence, if they go offensive line on Day 1, Sermon could be the running back they select on Day 2.”

A comparison to Bell is high praise for the young running back, but the two are similar in stature and ability, although Sermon is not known to be the same caliber receiver.

Sermon began his collegiate career at Oklahoma, but fell out of the rotation due to a combination of injuries and competition. He was productive over for season with the Sooners, rushing for 2,076 yards and 22 touchdowns.

He transferred into Ohio State last season, where he burst onto the scene during the Buckeyes’ run to the title game.

Sermon rushed for an insane 331 yards and two touchdowns in the Big Ten championship game against Northwestern, earning himself MVP honors.

He kept it rolling the the College Football Playoff semifinal win over Clemson, where he rushed for 193 more yards and a score.

Sermon’s impressive run came to an abrupt end in the title game against Alabama, as he exited the game after his first carry with a shoulder injury.

While Sermon left some speed to be desired, he did demonstrate quickness and explosive at his Ohio State pro day earlier this month. Both Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert were in attendance.

Official Pro Day numbers for Ohio State RB Trey Sermon:

6003, 215 pounds

4.61 40-yard dash

1.49 10-yard split (94th percentile)

37" vertical (81st percentile)

125" broad jump (89th percentile)

4.30 short shuttle (43rd percentile)

6.84 3-cone (85th percentile pic.twitter.com/JgvSJrpYaR
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) April 3, 2021