Earl Holmes (50/LB) - The same Earl Holmes story is told prior to every season. The one about when he was drafted, he told Bill Cowher congratulations for drafting the best Linebacker in the country. In his rookie season he showed signs of being a vicious, talented Linebacker. In his sophomore season, he became a starter and played outstanding. But he has only been above average since. In 2001, Holmes needs to regain the fiery attitude, and the all-out efforts that made him a nice surprise in the draft six years ago. 

Richard Huntley (33/RB) - What an up and down career Huntley has had. Coming to Pittsburgh from Atlanta, Huntley earned his way into a backup role to Jerome Bettis. But after fumbling the ball too many times in 1999, he had to reestablish himself in 2000. He got a new contract prior to the season, and proclaimed himself the #1 Running Back. Bill Cowher disposed of that theory by making Jerome Bettis the starter and with the Bus accounting for miles of yardage on the field, it pushed Huntley back to the bench. Huntley could still be a salary cap casualty and get a pink slip, but it has become obvious that the Steelers could be releasing a Running Back. That back could be Huntley because of his contract. 

Dan Kreider (35/RB) - Overwhelmingly easy to say, Kreider was simply the biggest surprise of 2000. Kreider was sitting on the practice squad going nowhere and was only thinking about training camp 2001, when Jon Witman broke his leg and Chris Fuamatu-Ma'Afala was converted to Fullback. Kreider was placed on the active roster in the event something should happen to "Fu." Well, I believe in fate, and fate occurred in Kreider's life. Fate came when Fuamatu also went out for the season with an injury. Kreider was immediately promoted to starting Fullback and he made the most of the opportunity. He shined in the role of leading blocker for the "Bus" and proved to be a worthy receiver out of the backfield as well. Now that Jon Witman has been released, Kreider has been penciled in as the starter at Fullback for 2001. 

Kamil Loud (83/WR) - After Malcolm Johnson was cut loose, Loud took his job and his jersey number. But Loud got even less playing time than Johnson saw. Little is known about him and at the least, the 6'1", 190 pound receiver will be brought back to training camp to see if he can make the team. 

Chris Fuamatu-Ma'Afala (45/RB) - "Fu" became a fan favorite as a rookie four years ago with his name, his size, and shiftiness as a big back. But the knock on Ma'Afala has been the many times he has been injured. Is Fu soft? Or is he just unlucky? When he does play, he always seems to make big plays. But he is taking up room under the salary cap, and his name has also been rumored among the trade mill. I don't believe the Steelers will trade Ma'Afala but he will have to try to stay healthy for the entire 2001 season if he is to remain in Black and Gold in 2002. 

Tee Martin (17/QB) - Perhaps the biggest question mark on the team, Martin has an uncertain future with the team. The Steelers like to tell us that he is coming on, that he shows potential, and that he will push Kordell Stewart. This years' training camp will be very telling for Tee Martin. If he fails to impress this time around he could be looking for another employer in 2002. 

Josh Miller (4/P) - Not much to be said here. Miller came into his own two seasons ago and has never looked back. He will be the Steelers' Punter for a long time to come. 

Tom Myslinkski (61/OL) - Myslinski was one of my personal favorites the first time he played for the Steelers several years ago before they lost him to free agency and the Indianapolis Colts. They signed him back in 2000 and Myslinski is a versatile player who can play Guard, Tackle or even Center. He will probably never start for the Steelers, but is a quality backup that can be relied on. 

Kimo von Oelhoffen (67/NT) - When the Steelers signed Oelhoffen from the Bengals in 2000, I thought it was wasted money on a player who was only a backup in Cincinnati. But it didn't take long for Kimo to show everyone that he can play Nose Tackle and play it well. Aside from a few fatigue problems, Kimo took over for Joel Steed and made Steeler fans forget him. If he stays in shape, and comes to training camp ready to play again, he could once again be a force in stopping opposing running games. Tony Orlandini (OL) -Orlandini has never made it to the Steelers active roster in his two seasons with the club. In both seasons they have delegated him to the practice squad, so they must see something they like. He will return for his 3rd training camp in 2001 for another chance at blocking for Jerome Bettis.