The Steelers may very well be with out two of their high three working backs this week as Jaylen Warren (knee) and Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) are sidelined with accidents.
Nonetheless, that has created a possibility for one participant who was substitute instructing not too way back.
Operating again Aaron Shampklin is the subsequent man up behind working again Najee Harris, however whereas he was ready for his subsequent alternative within the NFL, he was utilizing his economics diploma from Harvard to show sixth and eighth grade math.
“Final yr I used to be a substitute instructor at Perry Lindsey Academy. So I labored there on the center college,” Shampklin said. “I labored within the entrance workplace, and if a instructor did not present up for the day, then they might have me in a category. Then they realized I used to be fairly good at math, so the vast majority of the time I used to be instructing a math class.”
Whereas Shampklin loved giving again to the neighborhood he grew up in in Lengthy Seashore, California, it was at all times his dream to play within the NFL.
That is why he made it some extent to remain in form with no thought when his subsequent alternative would come.
“I’d practice early within the morning, after which end coaching, go house, bathe after which go to work,” Shampklin continued. “Then typically I’d go to work, and we might practice at UCLA after work. I skilled daily.”
His second probability with Pittsburgh got here final month when he signed to the group’s follow squad. Then final week, he was elevated to the lively roster forward of the Steelers matchup in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts throughout which he acquired his first NFL carry.
That was his solely carry of the sport, but it surely has given him some much-needed confidence heading into Week 5.
“It feels good to knock it out, to essentially get the texture of actual sport velocity, which is a change clearly from school,” he added. “So now that the primary one’s out the way in which, I really feel extra snug going into this week.”
It stays to be seen what Shampklin’s actual function this week will probably be, but when Warren and Patterson are unable to play, he’ll be in line for his greatest workload but.
That may give him the chance he is been ready for to show that he belongs within the NFL.
“I bought the primary sport out the way in which but it surely’s a protracted season. I actually have not made an impression like I wished to,” Shampklin said. “I am nonetheless making an attempt to make a reputation for myself and attempt to present that I should be right here.”
Shampklin has had fairly the journey since going undrafted in 2022. He additionally hung out with the Dallas Cowboys (2022), Indianapolis Colts (2022), United Soccer League’s Houston Gamblers (2023) and Los Angeles Chargers (2023) earlier than becoming a member of Pittsburgh this yr.
He by no means got here near giving up on his NFL dream, although.
“Honesty, something can occur,” Shampklin added. “You simply bought to take it daily. Do not have a look at the long term. Look in the meanwhile you could have. This follow. Take it prefer it’s a championship day. You by no means know what would possibly occur.”
Now with an opportunity to ascertain a job for himself on the Steelers, he is hoping one other one among his desires will quickly come true, too.
“One among my desires was at all times to be in ‘Madden,'” he laughed. “So hopefully that day is coming quickly, too.”
