First, I’m sure your head is spinning a bit with this quick turnaround. Tell me how the invite took place?
I fly in to Pittsburgh tomorrow and start rookie mini-camp on Friday. It’s all happening pretty fast. They reached out to my agent today and my agent let me know about the invite 10-to-15 minutes later. He got a call from a Steelers scout with the invite.
Was this your first option? Know anyone on the team or in the draft class?
My first and only option yes so I jumped on it right away. It’s been my lifelong dream to play in the NFL so now is my chance.
I don’t know anyone there no. Kendrick Green – I didn’t play with him but when he’d visited Illinois I met him a couple of times and will text him when I get to Pittsburgh.
What positions on the line do you think you’ll be trying out for in camp – any position you excel at most? What’s your strong suit from your perspective?
Anywhere in the interior offensive line. I can play all three positions. I don’t have a preference – whatever I can do to help the team and add value I’ll do.
I think my strong suit is my aggression. I play with an edge – I like to get after it. I guess that’s where I see myself as strongest.
Anyone help mentor you most as a lineman?
Definitely my brother. He’s a year older and we played together in high school- he was the center and I was a guard. He taught me how to be a better player. And my parents – they were a huge part of this process – just being there and with advice.
Have you played in a scheme like Matt Canada’s before? How do you fit in that type of offense?
We ran an RPO scheme at Colgate so I’m comfortable in that scheme. I like the power running game – pulling and outside zone schemes. I think I do well there.
You played at Colgate before going to Illinois – why did you transfer?
I was at Colgate for four years and got an extra year of eligibility due to Covid. With the extra year of eligibility, I transferred to Illinois. It was a chance I could take to play against a higher level of competition and push myself.
When I was there I competed for a spot at offensive guard and won the starting spot. It was a great experience. I got a lot of good guidance under Coach B. – Coach Miller – it was an awesome experience.
Lastly – what should we know about you that has nothing to do with football?
I love to golf – I golf a lot. That’s what I like to do in my spare time. That and just hanging out.
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