First, can you let me know why you decided to sign with the Steelers?
I think they just saw value in me – when the opportunity presented itself I had to take it. I was with the team for a short time last season – I was happy when they called me back this year.
I think I showed them my skillset when I was there – they liked my game and are giving me another opportunity. It’s a blessing for sure – I’m looking forward to it.
What do you think you need to do this season to make the active roster?
I think they like my running style – the physicality of my running game. For me to make the team though I have to make special teams big emphasis. I’m getting with {Special Teams Coach} Danny Smith to get A-Ok there and contribute that way.
I also need to show I can pass protect. Jalen Warren did that really well last year. I need to show they can have confidence in me to protect the quarterback. If I can do those two things I’ll definitely have a chance. Those are the top of my list of things I have to do.
How do you improve on special teams and win over Danny?
You have to really see it’s importance – you can’t shy away from it. You have to be one of those bodies that can hold up on returns, turn and block, and protect on punts. Getting with him – doing the drills and learning the techniques – body placement and leverage – that’s important. A lot of it is just want-to. Not being selfish. Growing up, sometimes you don’t see the value in it, but that’s what gets you in the door. Danny’s a great coach. You have to love his energy and enthusiasm – he’s fun to worth with.
Anyone help you while you’ve been in Pittsburgh – take you under their wing? How so?
Derek Watt was very cool – he helped me on the field with the special teams work and with the playbook on pass protection. He was like big brother to me. All of the guys in the running back room were cool too. Jaylen Warren gave me rides to camp – he was cool. And Cam Heyward is another Ohio State guy and a vet – I looked up to him.
Another guy that was really helpful was the team Chaplain, Kent Chevalier. He helped me a lot. As a man of God and faith, he was a another outlet to talk to, to help me keep my mind right and my headspace in a good place.
Any mentors and guys you looked up to as you progressed over your career?
I had a lot of those too – you don’t get here on your own. My parents – they sacrificed a lot for me – traveling, school visits, camps….
I had good coaches at each level – in high school I had a great trainer I still work with – he’s been instrumental on strength and speed training – Dwayne Beasley. Here’s here in Tennessee.
And all of the guys at Ohio State – it’s an elite program. All of the coaches helped me on the field and off the field, as a man.
I also had a chance to chop it up with Eddie George and picked his brain. I also have followed guys like Nick Chubb – his discipline and detail. He’s so strong and powerful. And Leonard Fournette – I loved his style of play in college. He was so strong and still fast for a guy his size.
And of course my faith – that’s kept me going.
How do you think your style of play adds to that running back room?
I think I can add another physical presence there. Coach Tomlin has talked about wanting to get back to who Pittsburgh used to be – rough and tough in the trenches. That kind of team. I can help add that for the team and get those tough yards on third downs and near the goal line.
Seeing the Steelers free agency and draft focus on the line and blocking talent – the running back room. buzzing about that?
Oh yeah we’re excited! We’re going to be able to force our will on opponents – it’s exciting. The running backs all have a group text and when they drafted Jones and Washington we were all texting “Yeah!” and “Woo hoo!” We were celebrating.
Lastly, what should we know about you that had nothing to do with football?
I’m more of an introverted person. I like to chill out and be with my family – I’m a family man. I talk to my family almost every day.
I like to listen to music a lot and watch movies. I’m also very interested in architecture and design. I started my Masters in Architecture at Ohio State and hope to finish that up. I enjoy that. And I enjoy being around like-minded people. I’m a Christ follower and I’m not ashamed to share that. That’s the most important thing in my life. Not everyone may agree – we all have different lifestyles p- but I honor Jesus Christ with how I live my life.
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