First, beyond the local connection, why did you choose to sign with the Steelers?
They called my agent – it was around the middle of the sixth round or so. They told him that if I wasn’t drafted they’d want to sign me.
I just think the Steelers fit my playing style and mindset. And of course it’s a dream come true to play for my hometown team. I didn’t think it was a real possibility though. There are 32 teams so I figured another team would get me.
Did you look at the roster at all to assess the fit and need?
I didn’t look at the roster no. But I’m the only real defensive tackle they are bringing in in this draft class. It’s a great opportunity – I’m excited for the chance.
Did you speak with the team at all pre-draft?
The Steelers brought me in pre-draft as a top-30 visit. It was an indication they had some interest, but you never know – I could have gotten drafted.
But when I visited I really hit it off with the coaches – it felt like home. The fluidity of the visit – there was never any awkwardness. It was all in-depth – very personal and heartwarming.
Does the local connection make it easier or tougher – add more pressure or less distractions?
It helps a lot. Knowing the area – the eliminate and familiarity with the city – knowing the downtown and surrounding area – that’s the biggest upside. Just feeling comfortable and not having to worry about stuff like where I should look for places to live. That helps a lot.
Know any guys in the drafts class? Lined up opposite any of them?
Me and Connor Heyward played against each other. Mark Robinson was the other guy that was there during my top-30 visit Me and him hit it off and had some cool conversations. And I played Pickens in the playoffs.
Any good stories with those guys?
In 2019 we beat the breaks off Michigan State when they came to the Big House. But they got us the last two times. Of course I have a Big Ten Championship and he doesn’t so I get to run that in a bit. But he’s a great player – we’re lucky to have him as a teammate.
Your dad is a basketball coach and your brother played basketball – and you were a good basketball player as well. Why did you end up going the football route?
I played football since I was five. I played basketball early on because I was naturally good at it. But I was too little as an inside man – I was a 6’6″ big man, and in college those guys are 6’8″, 6’9″. So at that point basketball wasn’t’ an option anymore.
How did that basketball experience help you in football?
The translation to football – moving laterally and being able to run translated well. Blocking shots….We ran a ,to at Beaver Falls – we were an up-tempo team. That was a long time ago – but I was 250 pounds when I played in high school. I stoped playing basketball though when I was a Junior in high school.
In terms of your role in Michigan – what were you asked to do most there – how did they use you?
Stopping the run was the biggest part of my game – we had Ojabo and Hutchinson so I was covering for them in the run game. But I think my pass rush is underrated – I have a strong bull rush and can collapse the pocket.
The team can seem to use some help at nose tackle – is that a role you prefer and can slide into in Pittsburgh?
I don’t care where they put me. Where they do I’ll give one-hundred percent. At nose tackle with the one-technique – anywhere from one to five, I feel comfortable anywhere.
In terms of strengths/weaknesses – what areas do you need to improve on most and what do you think you do best?
I think my pass rushing is underrated – I want to excel even more there. I can push the pocket and collapse linemen into the quarterback’s lap. I did that a few times last year I just wasn’t able to escape the block and sack the quarterback. I want to be better tat the top of the rush to get away from the block to get more sacks- that’s an area I want to get better it,
What does success look like year one to you?
Taking advantage of any opportunity I get. As an undrafted free agent I know I’ll get limited reps. I want to take advantage of every rep and show them they have a real ball player. There are 256 guys that were drafted – I don’t think 256 guys were better than me. I want to prove I can contribute on defense over the long term here.
As for success this year – I want to crack the rotation and make some plays – get some tackles and wreak some havoc. I know I can be a dominant player and be a part of that rotation.
Lastly, what should we know about you that has nothing to do with football?
I have two babies – a little girl who’s two and a son who is seven months. They are the pride and joy of guy life. The biggest motivation for me is to give them then lifestyle I want for them. They are my world.
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