First, what are you doing in the offseason to stay ready for when camp starts?
I’m currently in the Dallas area – I spend my offseason here. I stayed here after the XFL season and grew to love it here. I’m here with my college teammate Chris Convington who has been in and out to the NFL too. There are a lot of NFL players around here so the environment is ideal – it’s been a good place for me to be.
Right now I’m working on my strength and footwork. I’m well – I’m healthy and ready. So that’s where I’m at.
Did the coaches talk to you much about what to focus on for next season?
Not that much. In my exit meetings they told me to keep working on what’s kept me around. To come in in shape and to be ready – especially on special teams. I know my process. I don’t expect to come in and be the starting linebacker. I just need to do the right things to help me make the team on special teams. And to know the playbook in case of injuries. I almost played on defense at the end of last season so you have to be ready. But I definitely want to be one o the core special teams guys.
For me, last year was my fourth year in the league but my first accredited season – the first time I was activated. Tomlin and Danny {Smith} – they have a better idea of what I can do. I have film on me now that they can see – now they know what to expect of me. Having bounced around on practice teams – now with game footage they have more to work with. It’s huge to get on the field.
Why did you sign with the Steelers initially?
Coming out of college, I signed with the Rams as a free agent. I thought it would be a good fit but I got cut. I signed with the Colts but got cut right before the playoffs. The Steelers signed me to a futures deal then – that was 2019. It was an easy decision – it was the only futures deal had and it was good knowing I had a place to go.
Anyone take you under their wing when you got there?
A few of us learned on the fly together – Ulysses, Rob Spillane, Devin Bush. And in 2019 Mark Barron was there. It was crazy because he was my mentor when we were both with the Rams. He was new to the Steelers but he had that veteran mentality and took me under his wing. I followed him around a lot.
And of course Vince Williams. He is a natural leader. It’s easy to hover towards him.
Any good memories so far of your work on the practice squad?
I think with the practice squad, we’re giving it our all trying to give the offense good lucks and working on our craft.
I did get one pick on Ben. I was in zone coverage and he looked the other way trying to move us off, but I stayed disciplined. I felt the route behind me and was able to make the pick. It wasn’t a big, spectacular play but I remember that,
On the practice squad, we take pride in giving good looks of opposing defenses for our offense. It can be tough as practice squad players – we’re competitors and want to be on the active roster. We want to be able to go out and make plays.
What makes you an effective player – especially on special teams?
I’m always around the ball and have a high motor. I take pride in my work ethic – I work hard. I know I’m not the biggest or fastest or strongest guy – but I always hustle. I think that’s one of my biggest attributes.
I also have good instincts. I haven’t been able to show those off as much yet because I haven’t played on defense a lot, but I’m always around the ball.
What would make for a successful 2021 season, for you?
That’s a good question. I’m stronger than I’ve ever been and I feel better than ever. I expect to go and make an impact on special teams. I know what I’m capable of and want to be on the top of the list for special teams players in the NFL. Having the perspective of having played on different teams, I know that special tams is important in helping me to turn some heads.
Any fun experiences stand out to you as well in Pittsburgh, so far?
There’s always something. We all compete at cornhole a lot. I’d have to give it to Delvin Hodges as the best cornhole player my first year. Chris Kuntz and I – I think we ran the locker room after that, for sure!
Lastly, what should we know about you that has nothing to do with football?
Well, I’ll keep it sports-related. I was a good wrestler in high school – I placed second in the state my senior year in high school and was rated top 10 in the country – I think eighth.
I never thought I’d miss wrestling – I hated the training and what it took. But I loved the one-on-one competition. You couldn’t blame anyone else if you lost. It was just between the two of you. I think that helped make me what I am today. I’m a competitor and I don’t make any excuses. It’s a great sport that also helps you with life.
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