Linebacker Kendrell Bell will play several different positions on defense this season. There's another part he hopes to play in 2004 -- as graduate of the University of Georgia.
Instead of taking a vacation when minicamp ends today, Bell will take two classes at Georgia.
Those six credits will leave him a course or two shy of graduation, which he hopes to accomplish next year.
The reason for the quest for his degree in sports business is simple.
"That's what I went to school for. Before I played professional football, I went to school to graduate," he said.
The Steelers drafted the former Bulldog in the second round in 2001.
Versatile lineman
Dave Costa joined the Steelers yesterday from NFL Europe, and the versatile offensive lineman could play a role as a backup.
He played 14 games with the San Francisco 49ers after starting three seasons at guard at Wisconsin. Costa also played briefly for Tennessee.
Costa started at left tackle for the Scottish Claymores, whose season ended last week. He can play guard, tackle and long snap. Costa (6 feet 5, 307 pounds) is a graduate of Ellwood City High School.
Good report
Coach Bill Cowher reported that the surgery to guard Kendall Simmons' left elbow went well yesterday morning and that Simmons could be lifting weights in four weeks. Simmons had what Cowher described as a "loose body" removed from the joint.
Ed Bouchette can be reached at ebouchette@post-gazette.com or 412-263-3878.
Steelers Notebook: LB Bell pursues his degree 
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