First, excited to get in the building and start working on? What has the offseason been like for you – what did you do/work on?
It’s been good – it’s been refreshing to be in a new place with a new opportunity. Just to be in the Steelers building and getting to know guys and figuring out the way things work here.
Right now we’re all still trying to get to know each other and figure out our way around the building. I’m just looking to come in and work and earn a spot and get on the 53.
You had a unique path to the NFL after being expelled from West Virginia University. Tell me a bit about how that path from WVU to the XFL to finally the NFL affected your approach to the game today and what you learned from it all?
Really, my journey just humbled me a lot. I learned not to take anything for granted and value every day I’m here. I came here to work and learned that you only get so many chances – you can’t take it for granted.
Looks like there is opportunity on the team especially with that XFL experience – what are you hoping for this season?
I feel like its different here than it was where I’ve been in the past. everyone gets the chance to make a name for themselves and earn an opportunity to play here. You don’t get shorted in any way. You just have to take advantage of those opportunities when they come.
What are the strengths to your game and where would you like to improve most?
I think my instincts are a big part of my game. And my tackling ability. I’m an aggressive tackler and I think that fits into the way the Steelers like to play defense. It’s a tough-nosed, blue-collar defense that takes no shit from anybody, and I think I fit in real well with that.
As far as improving – I think I an improve on everything. My speed, getting stronger – you can always improve on every aspect of your game.
What about the Steelers’ scheme excites you and stands out to you?
I like that everyone plays with an attitude. And scheme-wise, they play a lot of multiple safety schemes, and that gives me more opportunities to contribute, so I like that.
Either safety spot opposite Minkah – I can play either one when they have three safeties there. I’m excited about the chance to do that.
I know you’ve had some success on special teams too in Carolina – including scoring a touchdown off of a blocked punt of former Steelers punter Jordan Berry! Do you consider yourself a big special teams guy?
I go as hard as I can on special teams – I know special teams can play a major role in every game and can decide games. So in Pittsburgh I’ll be going as hard as I can to make my claim on special teams. I know I’ll need to do that probably before I get to play on defense too.
On teams I really like blocking for punts and kickoffs – I think I do that well.
Being a local guy, does that make it easier in knowing the lay of the land and being close to your family, or does it make it harder due to potential local pressures and distractions?
Most don’t get the opportunity to play for their local team like this – It’s a big thing for me, yeah. It’s a big positive. My family saw me grow and and mature into the person I am today. Being close by to them, with my mother’s health and all especially, is good for me to be able to be close to them. Being near family is good for me – when I’m having down days they’re close by to support me.
I know you mom has been fighting cancer for a while now – how is she and your dad doing now?
My dad’s good – he’s working. My mom is still going through her health problems – she has her ups and downs, but she’s still here. That’s then important thing. That’s all that matters. I’m excited to be close by to her now so I can be with her.
Lastly, what should we know about you that has nothing to do with football?
I really don’t like to go out and do much. My favorite thing is just being with my son – he just turned 10 months old. I like to go to sports games and I take him with me when I do. I’m also about to start swim lessons with him so I’m excited to do that!
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
