Are You Ready For Your Closeup, Mr. Sepulveda?

Rookie Punter Daniel Sepulveda is rapidly becoming a national media darling.

Not only did FoxSports.com's Peter Schrager designate him one of the top 10 players "ready to have a breakout year," but just this morning USA Today ran a feature story focusing exclusively on Sepulveda.

Schrager points out that he has followed and basically adored Sepulveda (I'm a little worried about Schrager's unhealthy obsession actually) since his early days as a walk on at Baylor. He also points out that in the Pittsburgh weather conditions, Sepulveda's knuckleball-like punts, 4.43 40 speed and linebacker mentality will wreak havoc on opponents. So we hope Peter, so we hope. Oh, and he also aptly notes that Steeler fans will go crazy for this guy...I can't disagree with that.

USA Today's piece is supremely more comprehensive, but utilizes some of the same core points. One thing I thought was pretty funny was, when Special Teams Coach Bob Ligashesky was asked about Sepulveda, he responded:

"When I first saw him, I thought he was on the cover of Muscle & Fitness (magazine)," says Ligashesky. "He's a great-looking kid, very strong. But he's worked to be that way."

I think Ligashesky has a crush. And who wouldn't? Despite the fact that he plays a generally innocuous position when it comes to the physical aspects of the game, he still looks like a rock! Which leads me to believe this guy was born to play in Pittsburgh and hopefully he will feel the same way.

Another thing I took note of was a more detailed description of Sepulveda's so-called knuckle-ball punt. According to the USA Today story, Sepulveda takes a page out of the Aussie Rules football playbook and when inside the opponents 40, he kicks with the point facing down, ultimately willing the ball to fly end over end like a kick off and bounce near the goal line, hopefully producing the expected poor field position. Can't wait to lay eyes on that.

But ultimately, the most poignant thing I noted from either article was Sepulveda's quote in USA Today. When asked how he felt about being in camp (with fellow Punter Mike Barr), Sepulveda implored a typically Steeler-esque logic:

"It's only natural to feel a little bit nervous," says Sepulveda. "But pressure and feeling all that kind of stuff are products of your preparation. If you feel like you're prepared … it's just a matter of executing."

So if it's any further indication of how Sepulveda will mesh with the team and the city, I think we've all gotta feel pretty good about trading our sixth round pick and releasing veteran stud Chris Gardocki to pave the way for the man simply known as SEPULVEDA!

More to come as the day goes on...hopefully (cross your fingers).