Halfback Rashard Mendenhall, the Steelers' first-round draft choice, joined his new teammates for the first time on a practice field for the start of minicamp this morning.

Only 20 years old, and a one-year starter at the University of Illinois, he did not know what to expect.

"I was kind of nervous coming in," Mendenhall acknowledged. "But the running back room and Willie [Parker] have been nothing but professional since I've been here just trying to help me as much as they can. The better I do, the better they are going to do; we are going to be as a team."

Parker, the team's leading rusher the past three seasons, said he wants nothing but to embrace Mendenhall, even though they play the same position.

"I embraced him as soon as he came in, trying to teach him the ropes and stuff."

Mendenhall, who will wear No. 34, said Parker has already shown him plenty.

"How to be a professional," the rookie explained. "He has been here for a few years. He is showing me how to work, what to do, how to carry yourself as a professional and as a man."