The Pittsburgh Steelers opened training camp out in Latrobe, Pa. on Wednesday morning, but before doing so, a former WPIAL and Pitt quarterback worked out for the team.
Ben DiNucci, who starred at Pine-Richland before going on play at Pitt, was brought in for a workout Tuesday, according to a report by Aaron Wilson of KPRC in Houston.
DiNucci spent time on the Denver Broncos practice squad last season but wasn’t called up to the active roster.
He spent time in the XFL before signing with the Broncos last summer and was one of the best quarterbacks in the league. In 10 games with the Seattle Dragons, DiNucci completed 242-of-374 pass attempts (64.7%) for 2,671 yards with 20 touchdowns and 13 interceptions — adding 305 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
DiNucci was initially a seventh round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, after spending time at Pitt and James Madison in college. He completed 91-of-167 pass attempts for 1,107 yards with six touchdowns and seven interceptions during three seasons at Pitt.
He redshirted during his freshman campaign, stepped in for an injured Nathan Peterman in the 2016 Pinstripe Bowl and was part of the quarterback competition in 2016. DiNucci and USC transfer Max Browne traded appearances until Kenny Pickett took the starting job late in the 2017 season.
He transferred to JMU following the season and in two seasons with the Dukes, he completed 479-of-687 pass attempts for 5,716 yards with 45 touchdowns and 18 interceptions — building himself into an NFL prospect.
He spent a season with the Dallas Cowboys, making one start in three appearances during the 2020 season. He completed 23-of-43 pass attempts for 219 yards and ran six times for 22 yards. He was placed on the practice squad for the 2021 season and was cut before the 2022 season.
The Steelers’ quarterback situation has been widely covered over the last year, with incumbent starter Kenny Pickett traded to the Philadelphia Eagles and former Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson and former Bears quarterback Justin Fields brought into the fold. It remains to be seen what — if any — role DiNucci will play.
