First, can you tell me more about the process that got you into the USFL draft?
There were rumors about the USFL for a long time. When we got the application link sent to us it asked for us to put in film of our play, height, weight and links to show our game. I uploaded my Spring League film, Michigan State film and film of my time with the Chargers.
I got calls from a number of coaches and scouts leading up to the draft and am just so excited and pumped to play real football again.
Were you surprised to be drafted by the Maulers? What did they tell you so far?
I wasn’t no. I talked to them pre-draft. They said they loved my film and my game. The tight ends coach Bill Khayat – he has so much experience I can learn from. He was an All-American tight end and has been coaching for a while. I can’t wait to level up my game with him and play some ball.
What did they like most about you and what are the things you want to work on to improve?
They liked that I was a true, balanced tight end. I can put my hand in the dirt and block and also have reliable hands and route running. I think they wanted that balance. I’ll run-block my tail off and can go vertical in the passing game.
As for what I want to work on – you can always improve on everything. But the two things I’m working on most are, in the passing game, improving my release off the line. I want to unlock that to a new level and work on that multiple times every week with my receivers coach here in Phoenix.
The other thing I’m working on is in run blocking – making sure I get my hands on a defender before they get their hands on me.
What did you learn from your experiences in the NFL?
The biggest thing was just learning from guys like Jared Cook, Keenan Allen and Derwin James. They went out of their way to help you. Just all the tricks they’ve seen. Those are guys who have been there and done that and learning from them was big. Also, just having the opportunity to go up against the best of the best. It showed me not to be afraid of anyone. I believe I can beat anyone.
What was the biggest obstacle you faced getting to this point now?
I don’t like to make any excuses for myself. I see people like Tyler Mayberry who I played with when we were at the University of Buffalo. He didn’t have big numbers there but he’s now been in the NBFL for three years with Seattle. He came out the same year as me and made it work. I admire the guys who do that – who just make it work.
You know any guys on the team?
Josh Love and I used to throw out in Phoenix – we aren’t close but we know each other. He’s the one person there I now.
Ever been to Pittsburgh?
I’ve never been but I’ve always wanted to go. My brother says it’s an awesome place. I know they love their sports and I love anyone who love sports!
What does success look like to you in Pittsburgh?
I know it’s the go-to answer everyone is supposed to give, but I mean it when I say I want to win a championship. Scouts and coaches pay more attention to the players on the teams that make it to a championship. They like the guys that had what it took to get the team there. So I just want to do what it takes to get us there and be a superstar in whatever role I play.
What excites you most about the USFL?
Just playing real football again on a nationally broadcasters game in front of live fans. I love a good atmosphere and that national exposure.
Lastly, what should fans know about you that is not football-related?
I love acting. I’ve been big into film the last two years and any acting work has picked up. I was on the All American on Netflix in season four and have been working on my acting while I’ve been training. I spent a few weeks at Warner Brothers doing background work trying to get speaking roles and have been taking classes. So I have a big passion for the film industry too.