Mike Pouncey figures he talks by telephone to identical twin brother Maurkice four to five times a day. That hasn't changed this week, even if Mike has been in Orlando training in preparation for the NFL Combine later this month, while Maurkice has been a big story at the Super Bowl in Texas.The good news is the Pounceys will update each other in person Friday.
That's when Mike is scheduled to arrive in Dallas. And, along with the Pittsburgh Steelers and their anxious fans, Mike should learn if Maurkice has any chance to play for the Steelers in Sunday's showdown against the Green Bay Packers.
Maurkice suffered a high left ankle sprain two weeks ago in the Steelers' AFC Championship Game victory and has been sidelined. Pouncey, who earned a Pro Bowl selection at center in his rookie season, has said he won't play in the game if he can't practice by Friday.
"He's feeling good, but it's been up and down and I know he's trying to get back healthy," Mike told FanHouse.
"I am hopeful he can play. It's going to be great to see him."
The Pounceys were inseparable since birth before they made separate --and very different -- decisions last season. Maurkice, who won the Rimington Award as the nation's top center as a junior, announced he was leaving the University of Florida early for the NFL. Mike, however, announced he planned to remain UF for his senior season.
Mike says both made the correct decision.
"I am glad I stayed because it really helped me all around," Mike said.
While Mike struggled with the shotgun snap in 2010 as he moved from guard to center to replace Maurkice, many believe Mike might have the best instincts of any of the offensive linemen in the draft. He's big (6-foot-5, 308 pounds), strong and versatile. NFL pundits have said he could be a Top 15 pick.
"You never know where you are going to play until you get to (NFL) camp, but I honestly hope I get the chance to play tackle at the next level because I feel I am athletic enough," Pouncey said. "When Maurkice went in (at Pittsburgh), he started at right guard before they moved him to center. I am just looking forward to the opportunity."There are also whispers the Steelers, who are looking to rebuild their offensive line, win or lose Sunday, have their eyes on Mike Pouncey and are wondering if they're going to have to trade up in the first round to select him. (They drafted Maurkice with the 18th pick overall in 2010).
"He is a heck of a player," Maurkice Pouncey said at Super Bowl Media Day earlier this week. "If teams don't see that on film, then I don't know what they are looking at."
Tom Shaw, a renowned speed and conditioning coach who is training Pouncey and others at Walt Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, certainly expects Mike to make a bigger splash than his twin brother at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Maurkice also trained with Shaw last year.
"This kid is going to jump higher, run faster, show more agility and explosiveness," Shaw told FanHouse. "Mike already has a blueprint to follow in the NFL in his brother. I am telling you, Mike doesn't slow down either. He wants to be the best. He wants to go higher in the draft than his brother."
Shaw understands about performing at the highest level. He has three Super Bowl rings from his days working with quarterback Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. And Shaw also was among the first to offer athletes a combine-specific training program.
Shaw has earned players' confidence through drills and exercises that emphasize his SPARQ philosophy: Speed, Power, Agility, Reaction and Quickness. Mike Pouncey's a believer.
"Oh, man I couldn't even walk that first week," said Pouncey, who has been with Shaw just under a month and trains six days a week. "He threw us right into the fire that first week. But my body has changed a lot. I am getting stronger and faster. In college, it's all about being football ready. Here we are concentrating on specific combine drills. Everyone is getting after it."
Pouncey, of course, keeps an eye on his beloved Gators, too. He wasn't surprised by former coach Urban Meyer's decision to join ESPN as a collegiate analyst. Pouncey also believes UF's football program is in good hands under Will Muschamp.
"I knew coach Meyer wasn't just going to be able to sit around the house," Pouncey said. "I am glad he's doing something. And I think coach (Muschamp) is going to do a phenomenal job. I liked him a lot. They say first impressions are everlasting, and he made a good one with me."
While Pouncey can't wait to get to Dallas to see and talk with Maurkice and watch the Super Bowl, he knows he can't enjoy himself too much. Not with two training sessions scheduled for Monday upon his return.
"No way coach (Shaw) is going to take it easy on me," Mike said.
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