First-round draft pick Maurkice Pouncey appears to have displaced veteran Justin Hartwig as the Steelers' starting center, *The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette* reported Thursday.
Pouncey practiced with the first team at center Wednesday after starting camp projected as the starting right guard. Last week, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin began having Pouncey and Hartwig split time at center with the starters.
"Maurkice Pouncey has done a nice job with every opportunity we have given him thus far," Tomlin said after practice. "We continue to give him more opportunities."
Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton also has been impressed, citing Pouncey's combination of skills.
"A lot of centers you play against are either quick and weak or they're strong and not quick. He's got both. He's quick and he's really strong," said Hampton, a nine-year NFL veteran. "He recovers real well. He does a good job staying on his feet. I think he's going to be a good player."
