While players are doing whatever they can to keep in shape until facilities reopen, Steelers rookie linebacker Alex Highsmith is training with UFC fighter Derek Brunson who is currently No. 8 in the world in the middleweight division.
Though Highsmith’s pros outweigh his cons, hand technique is a trait often noted as a weakness in scouting reports. Working with Brunson should get him plenty of practice on becoming more violent on the initial attack of defenders.
“We’re working on my hands, working on my cardio,” Highsmith said in a recent interview with Steelers reporter, Missi Matthews.
Highsmith shared that head coach Mike Tomlin approves of his offseason workout approach. “Coach Tomlin is actually a big UFC fan, so on our first Zoom call, I mentioned I was training with Brunson, and he got really excited.”
“It’s been really good training with Derek, and for however long I’m here, I’m going to continue training with him.”
