Steelers’ Legursky appreciates his Herd heritage

HUNTINGTON - After fighting and scratching and clawing to make the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster, Doug Legursky suddenly finds himself involved in his fifth season as an offensive lineman for the storied NFL franchise.

While a practice player in Season 1, Legursky earned a Super Bowl
ring.

“It goes by fast,” said the personable and friendly Legursky. “It just seems like yesterday that I was coming into Marshall as a freshman.”

The season was 2004, and Legursky made an immediate impact. While it’s not totally impossible for a wide-eyed freshman to start on
the offensive line as a major college rookie, coaches will tell you it’s the most difficult area on the field to crack for a young player.

Legursky did just that and was a fixture for the next four seasons at Marshall.

He feels the early start was beneficial in helping his football career move on to the game’s highest level. Although he does lament not getting the chance to be a fifth-year senior.

The reason: Legursky and his wife -- and girlfriend at the time -- Megan, loved their days in Huntington. The two started their courtship while students at Beckley’s Woodrow Wilson High School.

“Going to Marshall meant everything,” Legursky said. “I miss Marshall so much. We think all the time about how much fun we had together. I had so much fun with my teammates on and off the field. That’s what the game is all about. There was something about Marshall that maybe you don’t get at some of the big-name schools.”

Legursky senses that same type of down- home feeling with the Steelers’ organization. Even though NFL rosters are ever-changing, Legursky feels a great comfort level within his employer.

One of his teammates is former Marshall great Byron Leftwich, the Steelers backup QB.

“We talk about Marshall all the time,” he said.

Legursky, 26, speaks highly of Coach Doc Holliday.

“The offense is incredible,” he said. “He’s a great coach. There’s no way Marshall can fail with Doc as their leader.”

Versatility has allowed Legursky to solidify his pro career. The 6-foot-1, 315-pounder can play center and both left and right guard.

“I’ve seen every defense,” he said. “I’ve blocked it all.”

If need be, Legursky would be willing to play tackle, but feels his strength lies on the inside posts of the offensive line.

“I’d get the job done,” he said confidently. “It (his versatility) has allowed us to get other people on the active roster.”

He says there is no true preference when it comes to center and guard.

“I feel comfortable with either one,” he said. “I may be more natural at center. It’s a bit more cerebral with identifying defenses. Guard is more physical, there’s not as much thinking.”

Legursky has enjoyed his time under the direction of Coach Mike Tomlin’s leadership.

“He’s a great guy, a great motivator, a great coach,” the former Herd star said. “He pushes us. He’s the real deal. It’s a privilege to be under this guy.”

While this is Legursky’s fifth season in the NFL, it’s his first year playing the game he loves as a father. The Legurskys are proud parents of a son, Douglas “Trip” Legursky III.

“It’s great,” Legursky said of being a father. “I’m always excited to get home to see my family. We’re blessed.”

And Marshall is blessed to have a great player and class act like Doug Legursky continuing to represent Thundering Herd football.