Call it work. Call it a business. That's fine, because bottom line, Doug Legursky simply is energized by his return to football.

Fresh off a four-year starting career at Marshall University, Legursky now plays football as a profession. The free agent signee recently finished his first Pittsburgh Steelers mini-camp and returns to Pennsylvania today for workouts.

Legursky admittedly has zero problem approaching the game as a punch-the-clock business.

"You've got to have that mindset," Legursky said. "But it's almost a relief to get back to work because there was so much down time. Getting around the players and actually going to work was great."

His initial mini-camp, completed one week after signing with the Steelers, featured more action in meeting rooms than on the field.

"There was a lot of mental stuff more than anything," Legursky said. "They wanted to see if you take (teaching) from the meeting room on to the field. They wanted to see who can pick up the system and retain information.

"And they'll be looking to see who can retain information from our little break to OTAs (offseason training activities). That was the biggest part. It was a learning process."

OTAs, beginning today, focus much more on the physical. Conditioning isn't an issue for the 6-foot-3, 3111-pound Beckley native, who tested well during Marshall's Pro Day and was considered a late-round draft prospect.

After starting primarily at center during his Thundering Herd career, Legursky debuted at right guard with the Steelers. He also worked out at left guard in spot duty and eventually could earn snaps at center.

"Right now I'm at guard and there's less information and fewer calls to make," Legursky said. "Once I learn the system I might move over to center some. Going to center right now there would be even more information."

Legursky now will integrate fully into Pittsburgh's strength and conditioning routine. Workouts and position meetings will continue into the summer, leading to the July 28 kickoff of preseason camp.

Building through the draft rather than headline-grabbing free agency signings, Pittsburgh ranks among the NFL's most consistent franchises of this decade. Legursky absorbed his first taste of the storied organization earlier this month and welcomes his next opportunity to earn a roster spot.

"I'm very impressed with the way they conduct themselves," Legursky said. "There's not a lot of flash. There are a lot of hardworking guys and I think I can fit into that very well."