Currently: 61° | Complete forecast | Log in

Steelers select former UNLV RB Summers in 5th round of NFL Draft

Frank Summers Highlights

Check out some of running back Franks Summers' highlights from the 2008 season.

Frank Summers' 2008 season in photos

You need to upgrade your Flash Player

Over the last 6 weeks, the Pittsburgh Steelers did very little to conceal the fact that former UNLV running back Frank Summers grabbed their attention.

On Sunday afternoon, the defending Super Bowl champs followed through.

With the fifth of the NFL Draft's seven rounds drawing to a close, the Steelers held back-to-back picks at Nos. 168 and 169. At 168, they took Central Florida cornerback Joe Burnett.

Then, the organization took less than 30 seconds to turn in its next selection, grabbing Summers, who rushed for 1,668 yards in two seasons as a Rebel on top of showing superb pass-catching ability out of the backfield.

That was one area which grabbed Pittsburgh's eye, specifically.

During UNLV's March Pro Day, the burly back put on an absolute show, recording a time of 4.55 in the 40-yard dash. He also showed a 34.5-inch vertical leap and put up 30 reps on the bench press at 225 pounds.

The Steelers sent two scouts and running backs coach Kirby Wilson to Rebel Park for the event, and then put him through several pass-catching drills in the middle of the workout.

The organization flew Summers out to Pittsburgh for a meet-and-greet two weeks ago.

Summers has a great chance to fit in in Pittsburgh right away.

Many analysts and experts liken what he can bring to that of former Steelers' great Jerome "The Bus" Bettis. He could get an opportunity to excel in short-yardage situations right away, as Pittsburgh recently released Gary Russell, who was their short-yardage specialist in 2008.

Overall, Summers was the tenth running back taken in this weekend's draft.

He is also the first UNLV running back to be selected in the NFL Draft since Ickey Woods was the 31st overall selection of the Cincinnati Bengals in 1988.

Discussion: 2 comments so far...

  1. Congratulations to Frank! Can't beat going to the world champs. Great to see another Rebel make it into the league. Keep making us proud Frank.

  2. Couldn't be happier for you Tank! I hope you make the most of this opportunity. You have the ability physically and the mindset,.....congrats.

Post a comment

Commenting requires registration.

Comments are moderated by Las Vegas Sun editors. Our goal is not to limit the discussion, but rather to elevate it. Comments should be relevant and contain no abusive language. Full comments policy.

Username:
Password: (Forgotten your password?)

OR Create an account (It's free)

Next Basketball Game

Today, 6:00 p.m. (PST)

UNLV

 
Shark Bytes

Sharing some Thanksgiving traditions

I always spend Thanksgiving morning at Piero's Restaurant serving food with some of the other ... (5 Comments)

The Rebel Room

Never can get enough UNLV analysis and chatter? Then this is the stop for you. Join the Sun sports staff in The Rebel Room for your fix.

POSTGAME EDITION: Rebels produce winners across the board on busy day

Ryan Greene, Christine Killimayer and Ray Brewer discuss a busy day in UNLV athletics, including ... (Comment)

Killin' Time
scroll left scroll right

Mobile

Can't make it to the game but want to know the score? Our reporters on the scene will send you text messages (up to four times a game) for Rebels football and basketball contests with the scores and stats you need to know.

On the go but need your Rebels fix? Our mobile Rebels coverage will keep you informed of the teams' latest news wherever you and your Web-enabled phone may roam.

Email Newsletters