The Pittsburgh Steelers had their annual Friday Night Lights practice at Memorial Stadium in Latrobe Pa. It is a great way to get fans to come out and had national media attention as well. It is the perfect time for a fringe roster player to make a name for himself and try to create buzz heading into the preseason. Inside linebacker Tyler Matakevich did just that tonight and had the media raving about his night in Latrobe.

Heated #steelers RB vs LB drill ended with Tyler Matakevich winning with another spin move. Won seven matchups by my count, lost none — Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 6, 2016

Tomlin calls for Tyler "Dirty Red" Matakevich to face champion Rosie Nix as grand finale for backs-on-backers. Red won 2 straight snaps — Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) August 6, 2016

Matakevich was not just a seventh-round draft pick, he was the Steelers second seventh-round pick in the same draft. Therefore, he is not guaranteed a roster spot in any way. But could winning backs-on-backers in the spotlight be the first step into winning a roster spot?

If the Steelers only keep six defensive linemen, five wide receivers and three tight ends it becomes easy to see them carrying ten linebackers. That would immensely improve Matakevich’s chances. Players such as Caushaud Lyons, DeMarcus Ayers, and David Johnson may get cut, but those are not devastating blows, especially if Ayers can get to the practice squad.

Of the ten linebackers, eight are locks. James Harrison, Arthur Moats, Jarvis Jones, Bud Dupree, Ryan Shazier, Lawrence Timmons, Vince Williams and Steven Johnson. It would leave two spots open for Anthony Chickillo, Travis Feeney, LJ Fort, and of course Matakevich. It will probably come down to special teams, and all four will get chances in preseason games.

We are a long way from the end of the preseason and plenty can happen between now and final cuts. However, from the early indications in training camp Matakevich already has the coaches eyes and will have every chance to emerge from the fringe players and onto the roster this upcoming preseason.