Worilds of talent pays off for fill-in starter at either OLB position

By Dan Gigler, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Consider for a moment, the public image of the Steelers' All-Pro outside linebackers.

James Harrison, public enemy No. 1 in the NFL. A menacing player, unapologetic for his violent style of play.

LaMarr Woodley, a gregarious, pass rusher who spits water into the air in pregame introductions like the professional wrestler Triple H.

Now, meet the man who charged with replacing them when they cannot play: Jason Worilds, a quiet, affable fellow who -- true story -- took his mother to his senior prom.

As the Sesame Street song goes, one of these things is not like the others, one of these things just doesn't belong.

Personality wise, perhaps.

But, while the second-year understudy out of Virginia Tech lacks the bluster of the other two, he approaches the game with a no-frills intensity, impressive work ethic and near-academic analysis of his assignments that has yielded three sacks and 24 tackles in four starts the past five games. That's in addition to being a special-teams ace.

Worilds will start again Monday night in place of the suspended Harrison, and, in doing so, will move to the right side of the field, after replacing the ailing Woodley. (hamstring) on the left.

Right to left, left to right -- what's the difference?

"My reads are different. People don't understand how intricate the game is pre-snap," Worilds explained.

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He was steadily improving in Woodley's spot. It'll be interesting to see how he does on the right side.

No doubt he's a bright spot this year. It's good to have him waiting in the wings and know he's a little like Timmons,quiet and makes his statement on the field.