LATROBE, Pa. _ When the shoulder pads came on at Saint Vincent College, first-year outside linebacker Ola Adeniyi picked up right where he'd left off.

He's been so dominant in Training Camp 2019 that an interview session following this afternoon's practice opened with a question about whether Adeniyi considers himself un-block-able based on the way he's been playing.

It was a legitimate query given what Adeniyi has put on tape through the first three days.

"I wouldn't say all that," he countered. "I'm just coming out here every day, trying to get better."

Adeniyi was the star of "Backs-on-'Backers," the 1-on-1 pass protection/pass rush drill that the Steelers traditionally hope will set a physical tone whenever the pads are donned for the first time.

He went 7-1 according to one reporter's notebook, with three consecutive decisions over rookie running back Travon McMillian, two victories over second-year running back Jaylen Samuels and a 2-1 showing against rookie running back Benny Snell Jr.

"I might have been 8-0, but 7-1 isn't too bad," Adeniyi maintained.

The disputed rep, if there was one, was the final Adeniyi-Snell confrontation.

Adeniyi hesitated for a moment during his rush and Snell struck a blow, which slowed Adeniyi temporarily.

"That's all I need," quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hollered with obvious approval from his vantage point observing the proceedings.

Adeniyi didn't think that was enough to tip the result in Snell's favor.

"Not at all," he insisted.

It was one of the few instances, seemingly, when Adeniyi has been impeded since camp commenced.

Even head coach Mike Tomlin, who rarely offers praise at this stage, particularly as it relates to younger players, has been impressed.

"Man, Ola's flashing and showing some burst and finishing some rushes," Tomlin assessed.