Steel City lessons: Korte reflects on NFL rookie camp experience

[caption id="attachment_495" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Tom Korte at Pittsburgh Steelers minicamp last weekend. Photo courtesy of Mike Fabus / Pittsburgh Steelers."][/caption]

On Friday Tom Korte intercepted a Charlie Batch pass, without even realizing it at first — and at 8 a.m. Monday he was taking the first of several final exams at Hillsdale College.

Such is the life of the former Charger linebacker who is fresh off his first three-day minicamp as an NFL player.

Signed by the Steelers to a two-year rookie contract as an undrafted free agent, Korte said minicamp was an incredible experience, crammed full of foreign terms, a heavy new playbook, and familiarizing himself with teammates and coaches.

He also said it was a whirlwind that was impossible to appreciate because so many thing were happening all at once.

"It was pretty incredible, it was intimidating and new and exciting. It was kind of hard to appreciate it all because things were going so fast and I had to learn the playbook and keep in mind not to act like I was some fan, I'm a player," he said. "I didn't get the full experience and I don't think it has really sunk in yet that I'm going to be with these guys for a while and these guys will be my teammates this summer."

Full experience or not, he already knows what it's like to intercept an NFL veteran, albeit at a practice facility without fans filling the stands.

On Friday, his very first day at camp, he picked off the former Lions' starter and Steelers' backup QB Batch, although at the time he had no clue who was taking snaps under center and he still isn't completely sure how the ball ended up in his hands.

"I think a lot of it was luck...and I didn't even know it was Charlie Batch until later when I was talking to some of the guys. One of the quarterbacks who I kind of became good friends with was like, 'Hey, good pick' and I was like, 'Thanks, who was that I picked off?'. And he told me it was Charlie Batch and I was like 'No way!'" Korte said. "It was the third defense, so basically the rookies in there, and I didn't really have time to see who the quarterback was. I was too worried about making the call and making all the adjustments on the field. It was pretty fun."

Aside from that noteworthy play, Korte said he feels he did good job of avoiding "boneheaded" moments, while trying to process the 3-4 defensive scheme after four years of the 4-3 as a Charger,

"Adapting to the playbook was a challenge, it's very intense, and it's very involved and it will take a while to learn," he said. "I think it was kind of hard for me going there and having some of the other linebackers know (the playbook) like the back of their hand and I didn't know anything. The veterans definitely had an upper hand on me, and that was kind of an unfamiliar feeling."

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Korte wasting no time impressing the coaches

Seriously — all it took was a few hours and former Charger linebacker Tom Korte was already on all of Pittsburgh's radar — with an interception on day one of his first mini-camp.

What if I told you it was Charlie Batch he picked off?

Believe it or not, Hillsdale Charger fans and Lions fans alike can actually applaud Batch, because his errant throw got Korte mentioned in a nice blog post by the Pittsburgh Blitz.

Kudos to Andy Losik from ChargerBlue.com for getting the info from Korte on who he intercepted.

Now all that has to happen is the Steelers need to sign wideout Mike Williams and Korte can blow him up on the sidelines a few times for good measure.

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In the trenches with the newest Steeler: A one-on-one with Tom Korte

[caption id="attachment_458" align="alignright" width="200" caption="Tom Korte will be remembered as one of the finest Charger linebackers for years to come."][/caption]

By RJ Walters / Daily News Sports Editor

As published in the Hillsdale Daily News on April 30, 2009

Hillsdale College linebacker Tom Korte will be heading to the Pittsburgh Steelers rookie mini-camp on Thursday and signing a two-year free agent contract with the team this weekend. Daily News Sports Editor RJ Walters took time earlier this week to discuss the entire draft process and what lies ahead for the three-time All-GLIAC First-Team standout.

RW: Prior to the draft, scouting services and Web sites said you were a little too short, couldn't jump high enough and just weren't quite worthy of being an NFL draft pick. What was that whole process like for you?
TK: It didn't really bother me at all because a lot of times (scouts) look at film. Plus everyone has different numbers, you know that some of that online stuff is just different. At both pro days I was measured over 6-foot and online they had me at 5-11. All the other numbers were comparable, I was happy with my pro days and I put up some decent numbers. It's all kind of in the past, but just to have teams interested in me because of the condition I'm in and my film and how I reacted to scouts....I think everything has really paid off.

RW: Can you give people an idea what NFL Draft weekend was like for you and how you came to be a Steeler?
TK: My agent started calling around to teams to see if they were interested in me after my pro day and the Steelers were one of the teams who were interested. The first draft day nothing went on, and on the second day we didn't expect anything until around the sixth round, and sure enough the Steelers called my agent, and they said they were interested in me and really liked me as a "priority" free agent. They also said they probably weren't going to draft me, but they had some legitimate interest in me, so me and my agent talked it over and looked at the situation at linebacker, because it was important to see who they had there. And we kind of felt like Larry Foote might be on his way out, we had some inside information, and he actually is (gone) now. That opens up another spot and that's really exciting news. Come the seventh round the Steelers had two picks and they didn't pick a linebacker and my agent called me back and told me they offered us the "priority" free agent...so the deal was done, we made a verbal agreement and then actually this weekend I'll sign with them.

RW:Do you feel this is an opportunity to prove to some people that you are a better player then they might think? You were not selected to the Cactus Bowl (the D-II all-star game) and you didn't get as much attention from scouting sites or services as players with comparable numbers and combine times.
TK: There's a lot of politics and all that stuff in the Cactus Bowl. And I always believed in myself and my family and friends always believed in me and I just felt like I was a high-caliber player who can do a lot of things. I've always worked out with the mindset I'm one of the best players and this opportunity just gives me another shot at that, for myself and my surrounding cast, to prove I belong there. This is a life-long goal. I remember watching the Detroit Lions when I was little boy with my dad and I told myself, even as a little boy, that "Yeah, I can play in the NFL". It's kind of funny because every little kid thinks that...so it's exciting and I'm just looking forward to getting after it.

RW:It has to be pretty exciting to know you're getting the opportunity to be paid to play a game you've grown up loving.
TK: I'm so very excited about it, and I feel very blessed to have this opportunity, to play for a great organization, let alone (in) the NFL — the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers of all people. It's kind of a big deal and the Steelers are known for picking up free agents and developing them, and I think that's very encouraging for me because they know how to find quality players and obviously they see something in me, which is reassuring and exciting. They've given me an opportunity and I'm going to take my best shot at it to make that team and I'm really just looking forward to playing football. It's just been testing and workouts and now it's playing football — that's what it's all about, playing the game I love and really just having fun.

RW:The Steelers also signed another undrafted free agent, out of Portland State, who plays your position, and he's out of a system that is similar to what the Steelers run. Do you look at that as a good thing because then at least you know they're committed to bringing in some young linebackers, or do you look at it as having even more competition to make the roster, with guys just as hungry as you are?
TK:There are always going to be guys who are your competition and he's just another guy that's coming in and has an opportunity like me, that's going to compete for his job. His name is what, Aaron Schwartz, or something like that? (Andy Schantz) He's just another guy, I'll meet him this weekend and it's all competition. It's about doing the right things, making plays and just getting out there and showing them what you've got.

RW:It's really a pretty basic question, but what are your goals, not only in your first weekend of mini-camp, but also for the next few months?
TK: I was actually just going to sit down and write those goals tonight, but I really just want to go to mini-camp this weekend and show them that even though I'm a Division II player I am going to surprise them with my knowledge of the game and how fast I can adapt to that level of play. I want to show them I'm there for business and I want to play the game with the highest level of focus and intensity they could want out of a player. The ultimate goal is to actually start on the team. You know, guys always say they want to "make a team" but that's not the ultimate goal — the ultimate goal is start for a Super Bowl championship team. Yeah it would be nice to be on the team, but my ultimate goal is to be a starter in the NFL. You know, I'd be happy with being on the team, but it's not the ultimate goal.

RW: How much pressure do you put on yourself right now, knowing there are dozens of athletes in your position right now, and that this weekend is your first chance to prove to the Steelers you're worth a spot?
TK: It's interesting because I don't exactly know the dynamics of contracts and stuff yet. What I understand though, since they invested money in me, this weekend is more of a "getting to know me", orientation weekend, it's not like I have to make the team right now. But I'm going out there to impress, no doubt about it. They can cut you at any time, but they invested in me and they know I'm a D-II kid so it might take a little time for me to adapt to the speed...but really, I'll be on the team, I'll work out with them this summer and when (training) camp rolls around I should be in the mix.

RW: How well has Hillsdale College prepared you for this monumental jump you're about to make?
TK: Without the great people I've had around me I would not be in the spot I am to day. A lot of guys come from Division I to get signed as a free agent and the rigors of their academics are not as strong as they are at Hillsdale, and that's the first reason I picked Hillsdale. I knew the academics were going to be good for me for what I wanted to do, which is become a dentist, but I always knew that I wanted to play football and be the best at that sport because I knew I could do good things. And it just turns out that giving it your all and working hard and having good people around you can lead to good things. I've been very, very happy with the way things have turned out here and I've been very blessed with the people here at Hillsdale.

RW:From Hillsdale to Pittsburgh in a matter of days. What do you expect that transition will be like?
TK:(Laughing) It should be pretty interesting — I haven't even been to Pittsburgh before. It's a pretty historic city and it's very different from Hillsdale. I'm from Grand Rapids, a decent sized city, but obviously Pittsburgh is bigger. I probably won't see much of it this weekend because it's all business, but I just look forward to seeing a new place and starting a new chapter in my life. I feel very blessed and I'm going to take full advantage of this opportunity.

RW:A year ago, your teammate and friend Mark Nicolet experienced rookie camp as a QB at the Detroit Lions facility. Although he was fighting for the chance at a contract while you already have one signed, what have you been able to glean from his experience that might help you?
TK: I actually talked to Mark a few nights ago and he said it is going to be the most intense three days of my life because they throw as much information at you as they can and see how you learn and adapt. He said your mind and body are going to be worn out, but just attack it and do it just like you do every time you play football at Hillsdale and you should be fine. He gave me some details about how it goes and it was good learning from him. I really appreciate his friendship and the leadership he's shown me the last few years. It's nice to have kind of a guy to look up to and give you some information.

RW:Now that you're heading to the NFL and you're going to be a Steeler, have you already bought some Steelers gear? And also, what's going to be your first big purchase with this new contract being signed?
TK: (Laughing) I have not bought any Steelers gear yet, I haven't had time. I had to give my senior research presentation on Monday, the day after the draft. I was on the phone Sunday from like 7:30 (p.m.) until one in the morning, and then finished my Powerpoint presentation and had to give it (Monday) afternoon while my phone was blowing up and my e-mail was full. It was ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous. And then I had to give another presentation (Tuesday) in a different class and I still have a bunch of stuff to finish up, so I didn't really have time to go shopping. I don't about the first purchase, I don't think I've ever really had the opportunity to buy something significant. And I still don't, I signed for nothing terrifically grand, but maybe a dog or something like that.

Eds note: I have set up a time to talk to Korte Monday following rookie camp and he has said he would even be interested in writing a "rookie journal" throughout the summer as he experiences many firsts and takes on the NFL challenge with full determination.

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Upon further inspection, Korte feels just like a Steelers' kind of guy

[caption id="attachment_452" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Just maybe, this will be a place Hillsdale's Tom Korte can call home for a while. Only time and the judgment of Steelers' personnel will tell."][/caption]

By RJ Walters / Daily News Sports Editor

As it will be published in the Hillsdale Daily News on April 29, 2009

Eds note: I never publish stories or columns on here before they go to print in the HDN, but I felt compelled to do that tonight because I felt it was right given some special circumstances. Yesterday's blog post on Tom Korte mirrors all of the feelings I had on his situation after an introductory glance at what was going on and what obstacles he faced. What I didn't have a chance to consider though was the people who know Korte best, and what Korte had been told by the organization himself. I also did not know the Steelers were planning on releasing Larry Foote, which totally gives life to how interested Pittsburgh may just be in bringing in one or two young LBs. Anyways, after a day to ponder, investigate more and make some necessary calls here are my reconstructed feelings on the situation.

All Tuesday afternoon I was trying to figure out reasons Tom Korte would not make the Pittsburgh Steelers. I was trying not to let emotion, and my biased observations throw me overboard, en route to a somewhat spotty opinion.

Then, after writing an entire column full of indecisiveness based on numbers and "expert opinions", I was let off the hook — the Steelers released seven-year veteran inside linebacker Larry Foote, and hours later I spoke with Korte at length.

What I've concluded is that Korte really is everything Keith Otterbein has built him up to be, he is a young man who has been convinced since a young age he'd be lining up to play on Sunday and the Pittsburgh Steelers just might be the perfect opportunity at the perfect time.

Bear in mind, he already has a contract, the Steelers are already investing their time and money in him, something Mark Nicolet was only chasing heading into rookie mini-camp for the Lions last May. He is set to officially sign a two-year deal this weekend when he travels to the Steel City for the first time, and even if things don't go quite as Korte wants and he ends up a practice squad player early on, he is still guaranteed at least $88,400 over the 17-week regular season, aside from the bonus he is set to receive.

That dollar figure might not blow some people away, I'm not one of those for the record, but the sheer fact they have already promised to give Korte a long, hard look is something that cannot be overstated. That means one rough day is not grounds for a "thanks, but no thanks," because in essence Korte is already a Steeler, someone the organization is ready to bring into training camp come August.

On top of that, the Steelers are an organization that has a history of turning undrafted free agents into starters on contenders and even Super Bowl winning teams. Just ask current Steelers Arnold Harrison, last year's team rookie of the year Patrick Bailey or even star linebacker James Harrison who just inked a $51.75 million contract in the offseason.

The fact is the Steelers have always been lauded as an organization who has an eye for finding and developing under-appreciated talent, something Korte knows a little about. It was just a few months ago that he was passed over as a selection for the Division II All-Star game, the Cactus Bowl, for which a committee selected who they thought to be the 10 best linebackers in D-II. Korte brushed off that slight as "just a bunch of politics", saying he was happy just to have pro scouts show interest throughout his senior year, and ultimately come to his pro days prior to the draft.

You see Korte isn't an athlete who needs negative emotions to drive him to positive reactions, he is simply an extremely driven, high IQ football player who believes he is good enough to "be a starter in the NFL, and hopefully one day for a Super Bowl champion". He is the kind of guy who thanks his coaches, teammates and family just for putting him in this spot, even though deep down he's the only one who knows how many hours he's spent in the gym, and the number of evenings he's spent studying film instead of hitting parties.

Korte plays like he talks — smooth, purposefully, and with an obvious passion.

It must be stated that the Steelers did also sign Andy Schantz, an undrafted rookie out of FCS school Portland State, after the draft, and two of his teammates have already caught on as linebackers in the NFL, for the Colts and Buccaneers. Plus he was under the tutelage of former NFL head coach Jerry Glanville for two seasons, in a defensive scheme eerily similar to "Blitzburgh's" 4-3. But you know what, Korte couldn't even remember Schantz's first name Tuesday, not because he's arrogant, but because he's just another player to him, just the latest hurdle to clear after scouting services all over the Internet pinned Korte as low as the 50th best ILB in the draft.

You see, I learned from the e-mails I received Tuesday from fans of Grand Rapids Catholic Central, where Korte played high school ball, from numerous conversations with Otterbein, and ultimately from talking to Korte's teammates that to bet against Tom Korte is to admit you're willing to be called stupid, because he's too good a football player and even more so a person to doubt him. So anything I've read about Korte being too short or not able to jump as high as his linebacking counterparts is a moot point.

The facts are Korte just agreed to sign an NFL contract, he was a three-time First-Team selection in one of D-II's toughest conference, and he's handled the last two days as well as possible, all while finishing a final research paper and presentation at a college that demands commitment around the clock.

Those sheer truths, coupled with the knack Dick Labeau has for developing talent and the breaking news of Larry Foote being released have made me pause. I can't think of one good reason to look at Tom Korte as just another talented D-II guy, a man who was a good story in college and is destined to be an even better dentist (which is another possible career for him).

In fact I would be willing to bet that he's every ounce the player he proclaims to be, and maybe he's just the next big project for an organization who thrives in mining talent others seem to have missed.

Even if I am admitting my bias now, and letting some feel-good sentiment affect me, at least it's in regards to a player who has yet to find a challenge too big to take down.

Ultimately though, I'll let the NFL be the final judge and just appreciate what he has done for the Charger community in the meantime.

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Tom Korte a Steeler? I hope, but doubt it

[caption id="attachment_447" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Tom Korte will be in Steelers' rookie camp this weekend. Going from a private little institution of 1,200 students to the Steel City for a professional sports tryout — not bad."][/caption]

Tom Korte will be in Pittsburgh Steelers’ rookie camp this weekend, but that’s a far cry from making the defending world champs, practice squad or otherwise.

The Hillsdale College linebacker is one of the most intelligent, game-changing defensive players I’ve ever witnessed at the D-II level, but his size, and the sheer number of other unsigned rookie linebackers will make his battle to catch on in the NFL a Mt. Everest sized one.

I know it’s easy to peg him as one of the top defensive players in arguably the best D-II conference, but the fact he wasn’t selected as one of 10 linebackers for the Cactus Bowl, the D-II all-star game, earlier this season throws a red flag up in my opinion.

Personally I didn’t think it was fair when I looked at the Cactus Bowl rosters several months ago and compared Korte’s numbers to the linebackers who were selected, because they stood out even among D-II’s best, but I’m no scout, just an informed observer.

If the people in charge of the putting together a collection of D-IIs top talent couldn’t find a reason to bring him down to Texas, that hurts, but not for the reason you might think.

Sure it’s a slap in the face respect wise, but it was also a missed opportunity for Korte to show a whole bunch of scouts what a special player he is. I know plenty of people will probably jump to his defense and say he’s already in a camp, so that point is mute, but the number of people interested in what he has to offer is important because if the Steelers’ job doesn’t work out, more hopeful suitors is what every undrafted free agent wants and needs, and the more eyes that have been fixated on Korte the better.

First off he’s 5’11 ¾, shorter than any of the nine inside linebackers who had their names called during the draft. Even his head coach, Keith Otterbein, said his size could deter some people on Korte’s way toward an NFL dream — and while I don’t understand how huge a difference one inch makes, there’s a reason Chase Daniels is also an undrafted free agent, as well as whole lot of offensive lineman who don’t have the bods that match the numbers.

Secondly, just “Googling” Korte’s name brings up very few results, proof that he hasn’t generated a whole lot of interest from scouting groups and expert blogs, so on so forth. If you do the same thing to Andy Schantz, an ILB from Portland State — who just happens to also be going to Steelers rookie camp, he has been on the NFL radar for almost a year.

On the NFL Draft Bible, Schantz is the 20th rated ILB, 13 spots ahead of Korte, while ESPN.com’s Scouts Inc had Schantz rated the 30th best linebacker, while Korte came in at 48th, but it appears few scouts from those ranks really saw Korte in person.

Adding to the debate about whether or not Korte will ultimately land in Pittsburgh after this weekend, there is an interesting article on Schantz in The Oregonian from today.

It basically says Schantz has already played in a scheme similar to Dick LeBeau’s in Pittsburgh, and it should also be noted that Schantz played for Jerry Glanville, a well-known and high-respected name in coaching circles. Although personally, I think Coach Otterbein’s staff is about as good as it gets top to bottom at this level. And Otter knows best that he and many of his coaches could be wearing headsets at the D-I level, which he did several times, but they are about more than the dollars, they usually choose the sense, a sense of character and meaning in their books.

Anyways, this isn’t about the coaching staff, it’s about one of the most impressive players they’ve helped mold into a fringe NFL talent. Korte has instincts and a work-ethic as good as anyone at any level, which seems on par if not better than Schantz from what I’ve read.

And the reason Schantz is such a big deal is because the Steelers did NOT draft any linebackers this weekend and were quoted in numerous articles prior to this weekend as wanting to shore up the backup spots on their roster.

Last year record-setting Chargers QB Mark Nicolet tried to fight size and the odds at Lions camp, but honestly other than the fact he was in a rookie camp at the NFL level, the similarities between him and Korte are few. The depth chart at LB is much deeper than QB usually, plus Korte has been brought in as a "priority" free agent, which is at least a feather in his cap. Thankfully though Korte can try and gain a little wisdom from Nicolet’s experience of learning what it’s like on the top, all the while drinking as many free Gatorade’s as possible.

As much as I like Korte and love what he brings to the football field I just don’t see him making the Steelers. I do think however he may have another chance to catch on with a practice squad of a team that is a little thinner in the linebacking corps, even if it’s months from now.

Right now I just think it’s a THEM thing, not a HIM thing, if you know what I mean, all of you who have been dumped without any forewarning. I also wish the Lions would have picked up Korte, instead of taking fellow D-II star Sammie Lee of Stillman College in the fourth round. Then again, the Lions couldn’t even figure out it was the only logical choice to take Rey Mallaluga or James Laurinitis with the first pick of the second round.

Whatever the case may be, logically I think Korte is dang near close to being the next John Digorgio, a former Saginaw Valley State LB, who has made a home in Buffalo with the Bills, I just don’t know if the right opportunity is here just yet.

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