Memphis Roar

This week’s column is brought to you by Jonathan Craft, a junior finance major at the University of Memphis. Jonathan had a chance to catch up with former Tiger Steven Black.

Steven Black is described by former Memphis football teammates as dedicated, hard-working and professional. As a rookie Wide Receiver for the Pittsburg Steelers, Black is as focused as ever.

 ”It’s great to be here, but it really hasn’t hit me. I’m just focused on learning the plays and the fundamentals so I can do my job,” says Black.

Graduating Junior College earlier than expected, Steven, a former Louisville commitment out of high school in Alabama, decided to play ball for the University of Memphis. It was mostly due to one man, former Memphis Offensive Coordinator, Randy Fichtner. Fichtner, who was offensive coordinator and quarterback coach for Memphis at the time, recruited Black to Memphis out of East Mississippi Junior College.

Instead of a likely move to re-sign with Louisville, Black decided Fichtner’s spread offense would give him a chance to showcase his ability. It was also a great selling point that Fichtner had done a nice job with big wide receivers, dating back to all conference performer, Tavares Gideon who also played junior college ball in Mississippi. Steven came to the Tigers in the spring semester of 2007, learned the plays and played spring ball. Around that time, Mike Tomlin, another one time Memphis Tiger assistant, was named the head coach of the Pittsburg Steelers. A key reason for the hiring of Fichtner to coach wide receivers in Pittsburg was due to their familiarity of working together previously.

By fall 2007, Black was prepared to take on C-USA and played every game, starting all but one. He averaged 36.7 yards receiving per game and 11.4 yards per reception. In 2008, he finished third on the team in receptions and third in scoring with 36 points. He was used mostly as a possession receiver with good size and soft hands. He was fearless catching the ball in traffic and was an excellent compliment to outside receivers such as Duke Calhoun, Carlos Singleton, and Maurice Jones.

Steven seems to be very focused and determined heading into training camp. He is excited about playing for Pittsburg; not only to be playing for the man that recruited him to Memphis, but he has lots of family in the Pittsburg area. He has found familiar faces in and out of practice. The rookies are bonding well in what is described as the most team-oriented atmosphere in the NFL. Black will be playing and competing alongside rookie wide receivers Tyler Grisham (Clemson) and Mike Wallace (Ole Miss). Grisham and Black go all the way back to playing against each other in Alabama during high school, as well as in the rivalry games in college. This bond should help both players grow and will likely benefit both.

Black accredits much of his focus over the years to his cousin, Terrell Owens, who played for Coach Tommy West at UT-Chattanooga. Owens has been pro for twelve years and has only been a phone call away when Black needs inspiration to keep moving forward. When asked about the August 29th game hosting the Buffalo Bills, Black could only say, “I just can’t wait. I’ve been waiting years for this.” In addition to Owens, Black said that his mother, brother and family have been the inspiration to fuel his drive.

Memphis fans will be watching in August and look forward to seeing Steven Black pursue his dream of playing in the NFL. Regardless of the outcome, he will always be remembered as one special player who played on back to back bowl teams two years in a Tiger uniform.