Steelers legend Sam Davis, known for his technique and intelligence as an offensive lineman despite his size, emphasized fundamentals that translate across positions. Here are actionable training tips inspired by his approach:
Master Your Stance & Start
Consistency is Key: Perfect a balanced, athletic stance every single down. Practice explosive first steps driving off the correct foot depending on the play direction. Train starts until they become instinctive.
Win the Leverage Battle
Play Low & Powerful: Focus on knee bend and hip hinge to maintain a low center of gravity. Engage your core and leg drive upon contact. Davis consistently leveraged larger opponents by playing lower.

- Incorporate wall drills focusing on sustained low hip drive.
- Perform squats, deadlifts, and lunges to build foundational lower body power.
Develop Agile Footwork
Linemen need lateral quickness. Davis relied on excellent footwork.
- Ladder Drills Daily: Improve coordination and short-area burst.
- Lateral Shuffle Practice: Emphasize balance and maintaining athletic posture while moving sideways quickly on command.
Focus on Hand Placement & Punch
Precision Timing & Placement: Hands inside the defender's frame are crucial for control. Practice punch timing - quick, powerful, and resetting immediately.
- Partner hand shield drills targeting placement and snap.
- Sled work emphasizing hand strike and immediate drive.
Embrace Practice Discipline
Davis was known for meticulous preparation.
Perfect Practice Makes Permanent: Repetitions matter, but only perfect reps build perfect habits. Drill techniques precisely at game-speed intensity in practice. Study film relentlessly to understand opponent tendencies.
Condition Relentlessly
Davis overcame size disadvantages with tenacity and endurance.

- Incorporate high-intensity interval training (HIIT) simulating drive-sustaining efforts.
- Build core strength – the engine for power transfer and stability in trenches.