First, what has been the offseason plan for you – how have you been preparing for the upcoming season?
Right now I’m training in Birmingham with Ha Ha Cinton Dix – he’s a friend and has shown me a lot. How to take care of my body and mastering my technique. Just on how to be a pro on and off the field. Making sure I’m 100% ready to go when the season starts.
What made you decide to sign with the Steelers as a free agent?
Well to be honest they were the only team to reach out sat the start. But William Gay went to my high school and I always watched and liked the Steelers because of him.
I felt the opportunity was also good for me. Especially because I switched from offense to defense so late in college. I felt they understood that. I took a 30-visit with them before the draft and we had some chemistry then. I felt that if they called me now after bringing me in for a 30 visit, they must have liked me.
Have you spoken much to the coaches – what did they tell you to work on heading into the offseason?
We didn’t really go into depth on anything yet. They just told me they were glad I was there and to be ready for hard work. To work on my craft now and be ready for camp.
What did they say to you on that pre-draft visit and what did you take away from that visit?
It was all like a dream then – it’s still like a dream really. It’s still not completely settling in that I’m in the league. My first time I ever flew was my senior year in college for the national championship game. So it was all surreal then.
When I met with the coaches – you could feel the culture there. It was already set in. It just felt like a perfect spot. Now I just have to do my part.
Having played at Valdosta State – talk to any of the guys that had played in the NFL from Valdosta State?
I speak to Kenny Moore – he played for the Colts. He and I stay connected. It’s like a brotherhood and we talk it up now and then. He just tells me that it’s not over until I give up. That I just need to lock in and stay focused.
Playing mostly on offense prior to the NFL, how have you been able to adjust to defense and what has been the toughest adjustment. How has playing offense helped?
I switched from receiver to defensive back my senior year because I felt it gave me the best opportunity to play in the NFL. There were plenty of 6’4″ wide receivers in the NFL but not so many 6’4″ cornerbacks that could move like I could. I felt like it gave me the best chance to play football at the NFL level.
The hardest thing is really moving backwards. As a receiver you’re always moving forwards. Defensive backs are reacting to receivers and that means moving backwards too. You just have to get comfortable with it – to get the reps in and the muscle memory going to get those good habits.
The biggest thing isn’t really even about moving from offense to defense. It’s going from college to being a professional. You have to know all the coverages – all the schemes. As you go you learn the ins and outs from the older guys – you pick things up along the way.
I know you had the chance to work with former Steelers cornerback Deshea Townsend in Chicago. What did he show you/help you with?
Deshea – he helped me a lot! He helped me become a better defensive back. To this day I remember when I first got to Chicago, when I covered receivers I’d look back like the quarterback was throwing me the ball. That’s what you do a a receiver. But Deshea would yell at me “Get your eyes on the receiver!” He also taught me to slow things down -to get my technique down.
Deshea just really helped change my mindset too. Watching film – he could break it down for you because he played the game. He knew how to do it where you really got it.
I know you haven’t been with Pittsburgh long and haven’t likely had a lot of chances to work with guys yet, but anyone help you out and take you under their wing at all? How so?
Dax Raymond and I came into the league together so we talk it up. But I haven’t spoken to many of the guys yet. Devin Bush and I did a couple of the 30 visits together too – but we haven’t really spoken yet. I know I’ll talk to those guys when I get to camp.
A decent amount of turnover in the secondary with Hilton and now Nelson leaving. Do you look at that at all and where do you see yourself fitting best in this secondary?
Not really. I know that if I do what I need to do I’ll be good. I don’t get caught up in the opportunity stuff. There’s always an opportunity if you work hard.
Lastly, what should we know about you that isn’t football related?
I like to spend time with my family. I have three older brothers who all played football but unfortunately didn’t make it to the NFL. I’d rather be with my family fishing and hunting if I’m not playing football. Spending quality time with family and loved ones is important to me and what I enjoy most.
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
Beautiful interview. Stephen Denmark’s character is an added bonus to his skill set. Stay the course, the best is yet to come on and off the field.