So first off, what made you decide to sign with the Steelers as a free agent?
They were the first to reach out to me – they reached out before the seventh round and told me they wanted to sign me to a free agent contract if I wasn’t drafted. They called my agent first and he gave them the permission to call me. They FaceTimed me after that and offered some incentives that other teams didn’t, so they were the clear choice after that.
I feel the Steelers’ system also fit me really well. They are a power running team – they like to run downhill. As a big dude who likes to move people and go downhill, I like that offense. They don’t try to fool people too much – they power run then like to throw over the top.
As one of the only tackles they added in the draft – is the fact there seems to be some open spots at offensive tackle something you kept your eye on? Did you look at the roster at all to see opportunities?
That did factor into it yeah. I didn’t want to go somewhere and just be brushed off. It’s a young offensive line with a few veterans there – I felt like it was my best chance to make a team.
Do you know any guys on the team and in the draft class? Any fun experiences with them?
I played against Connor Heyward in high school and Bryce Watts was with me in North Carolina after he transferred over from Virginia Tech. I talked to Bryce briefly and we’re all in a group chat so we all have been chatting together before we all met up on Thursday.
You’re a big guy at 6’7″ – how does that help and hinder you at tackle?
The pro is that at my size I can’t easily be moved – it’s easier with my bigger mass to move people. That extra 20 pounds makes a big difference. That’s the biggest thing with my size.
The cons – and they’re all in my control – is that defensive linemen are getting faster and bendier and lower to the ground. With my size that can make it tougher, but I have super long arms to help with that and take care of those guys.
Who are some of the guys that mentored you as a lineman and how?
Vince Vance is a family friend and played for Georgia in ’07 to ’09. He’s been my go-to guy. I can talk to him like an older brother – we’ve been working together for eight or nine years now. I end him game tape and practice tape and he critiques those. He’s been my biggest critic and biggest mentor.
On my own too, I watch film of guys like Jason Peters and Trent Williams to learn from them.
How would you describe yourself as a player?
That I’m a winner. I get the job done no matter what. I’m reliable and smart – I know the game inside and out. I try to stay versatile with my intelligence and production
Will it be weird blocking for Pickett who was a rival of yours in college?
Man I couldn’t be more excited. I’ve watched him play and have been blessed to block for two other quarterback who were drafted. I blocked for Malik Willis in high school and Howell in college. Now I get to block for Kenny Pickett. You can’t ask for anything more – he was one of the smartest quarterbacks in college and he put that on tape. I’m excited to block for him and help him be successful in the NFL.
Any area you are looking to improve upon most – pass and run offense – how do you look to do so?
My two biggest things are my finishing ability – showing that I can finish with this big body. I just want to show that I can be reliable and accountable – something I was praised for in college but need to prove in the pros. I wear that on my sleeve and want to prove I’m reliable and accountable on and off the field.
Lastly, what should fans know about you that has nothing to do with football?
I love this question! The Good Lord Himself – I know not all have this opportunity that I have – I want to keep working on this opportunity.
Who I am as a person? I’m a big anime head. I love playing football and hanging out with family and friends and teammates. And music is my other half. Future, Juice Wrld, Lil Baby – those are my go-tos. And I can binge-watch shows all the time – the Office, SportsCenter…I just rewatched Game of Thrones for the fourth time! I’m Targaryen blood here!
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