First, what has been the offseason plan for you – how have you been preparing for the upcoming season?
Well, a lot of people may not know it, but I’ve been grinding all year ever since my pro day last year got canceled due to Covid. I was training with Saquon Barkley who’s a good friend of mine and just kept working all year.
Now I’m back home in Connecticut and working out with Malik Golden – a former Steeler actually. We’re both from the same area here in Connecticut. I’ve just been steady grinding – putting myself in the best possible situation both mentally and physically for when camp starts.
What made you decide to sign with the Steelers as a free agent and what about your workout at UMass’ pro day stood out to them, do you think?
At my pro day, I spoke to a lot of different teams at the venue. I tested well and could tell the scout from Pittsburgh really liked me. It all just came full circle for me. I played ball in PA. I think my 40 yard time was a big deal. I ran 4.4’s consistently. I think that set me apart. That and my DB background – that versatility helped me as well.
About two days after the pro day I got a call from my agent asking if I was ready to be a Steeler. I was like “For real?” Four days later I flew to Pittsburgh and signed the contract.
Have you spoken and met with the coaches and staff– what did they tell you to work on prior to camp and what did you take away from those meetings with them?
It was a quick day going up there. I had my physical in the morning and signed my contract afterwards. I was on a flight an hour after signing the contract. I met the strength and conditioning and medical staffs and briefly met my position coach – Jerry Olsavsky. But it was really only a touch-base kind of thing.
Basically, I’ll do whatever they ask – I’ll do my best. Special teams I know will be a big deal so that’s a main priority for me I know.
How is your special teams game/experience?
I played for five years in college and played every aspect of special teams. Kick off returns and kickoffs, punt returns and punts….I have a lot of mileage on special teams – a lot of reps.
At UMass I did a lot of kickoffs – Penn State a lot of punts. When I played defensive back I was a gunner, but when I moved to linebacker they moved me inside on special teams – a lot of front line and back line blocking.
You played mostly safety prior to the NFL. How have you been able to adjust to linebacker and what has been the toughest adjustment. How has playing safety helped?
I think playing safety in college helped me athleticism-wise. Being able to cover. The biggest adjustment was learning how to play in the box – I never did that before. At Penn State I played free and strong safety before they moved me to SAM. At Umass I played inside linebacker and had to learn how to handle being around all of those big bodies and defeating blockers. Just having the repetitions made a big difference.
You expect to play inside or outside – assuming inside correct? What strengths do you bring at linebacker?
Inside yes. I think my speed helps me a lot. That and my football IQ. Playing different positions helped me to learn the game. I know what everyone is supposed to doing as well as what I’m supposed to be doing. That and my athleticism – those are my biggest assets.
I know you obviously 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?
Marcus Allen – I talk with him all of the time. I may stay with him when I go back to Pittsburgh. He’s helped give me guidance – the same with Malik. Having those dudes to lean on is big for me. I appreciate them and will stay close to Marcus’ hip when it all starts for sure.
I heard of the Steeler way obviously already – the blue-collar, hard-nosed work ethic. That’s what those guys told me and what I’d already heard. I know that’s the way they do things.
A decent amount of turnover on the defense and at linebacker. Do you look at that at all and where do you see yourself fitting best in this linebacker corps?
Honestly no. I don’t look at that stuff. I look at myself – whatever the team asks me to do, I just need to do my best – do whatever I can do. I just need to take care of my job and what I have to do.
Lastly, what should we know about you that isn’t football related?
I’m a very passionate person about giving back to others. I started training kids to help them realize their goals. Any time I can show kids that something is doable I try to do that.
I love music too. And acting – I have a passion for that as well.
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