First, what made you decide to sign with the Steelers over the Browns and Cowboys?
My agent and I talked and we saw a big window of opportunity there. I know they drafted a cornerback in the second round but, especially long-term, I think there’s an open competition for a roster spot there.
Lots of San Diego State guys there right – four total? What does that do for you?
It makes the atmosphere more comfortable – seeing guys I played with when I got to camp was a good feeling. It gave me the chance to rekindle those bonds and it’s been fun hanging out with them, even outside of football.
How did playing both ways – receiver and defensive back – in college help you? Why choose defensive back over receiver?
I chose defensive back because corner is a harder position to play – high-level corners I think are valued more than good receivers. There are a lot of 6’1″ receivers who can move and play at a high level, but there aren’t as many corners who can do that. And I love a good challenge.
Playing wide receiver helped me to transition to defensive back too. It showed me how to get my head around and make ploys on the ball like a receiver would.
Speaking of, you led the nation in interceptions, break ups and passes defended as a Senior – what made the season work so well for you?
Having that wide receiver background – when the ball is in the air I feel more like a receiver than a defensive back. I have the mindset that I want the ball. My Senior year I wanted to have a big year – I emphasized getting the ball. I think just wanting it – having that hunger for the ball is what made that year so successful.
How has your experience in Jacksonville and starting for them – and with other NFL and XFL teams – helped you become a better player at this level?
It just helped slow the game down for me. It helped me to better compose myself. I played football my whole life, but you can think too much at times – with the crowd and the pressure. I just needed to learn to slow the game down and play at a more comfortable level and make plays.
In the XFL – it just wasn’t as big of a league as the NFL. I think that helped me too – to get back to the days when it was just football. It reminded me that I deserved to be there and was able to play with these guys. Now I’ve learned how to go out there and play without all of that outside noise.
Heard you shined as a scout team receiver too?
Yeah that started with the 49’ers. I played wide receiver some with their scout team and made a number of plays. I almost wanted to ask the coach to let me play receiver! But I’m determined to play defensive back.
What have the coaches been saying to you so far in camp on Pittsburgh?
I’m not going to lie. They heaven’t said much to me. I think the coaches want to see how I handle things on my own – to see my mental makeup. I think that’s how the coaches operate. I’m sure they talk with themselves but they haven’t talked to me yet. They do congratulate me if I make a good play – they do do that.
I think I had a good camp and OTAs – I had a pick and some pass breakups. I’m progressing and looking forward to camp.
Anyone help take you under their wing so – not as a rookie but as a guy still new to the team?
Apart from the San Diego State guys. I knew a lot of other guys there too. It felt like coming home a bit. They showed me around – where to go and how to handle the Pittsburgh atmosphere.
Patrick Peterson – I watched his film and admired him growing up. It’s a blessing to be in the same room as him. I pick his brain a lot and ask him questions whenever I get the chance.
I noticed he and Wallace for example would watch film on the offense all the time. Wallace would come in and jump routes and I wanted t know how he did that. They are helping me understand how to prepare – how to watch film and the offense and understanding routes they run. Those little things help a lot in understanding how to prepare for offenses.
Any special teams experience?
I’m not going to lie – I don’t have much special teams experience. I started in college and they didn’t have starters play on teams. Honestly I think that was my downfall early on in the NFL. I didn’t put enough emphasis on it before. That’s something I want to show the Steelers – that I can contribute on special teams.
I did play on teams in the XFL as a jammer. I think being an explosive player I can contribute on teams as a gunner.
Where do you excel and what do you think you can improve on most?
I think my footwork at the line of scrimmage when I press. I’m really good mid-route and at the top of routes. If I win at the line of scrimmage I can cover anyone throughout the route. But I can be inconsistent at the line of scrimmage and then you’re forced to play catch-up. I’m learning to be more consistent with my technique at the line of scrimmage.
Any idea on where you fit in best on this team – the slot, boundary…?
I think I can play in the slot but I haven’t taken many reps there. I want to talk to the coaches to see if they’ll give me a chance to do so in camp. Cleveland actually asked if I would play slot when they were looking to sign me. I know I’m a taller guy but I think I can do it and plan to ask the coaches.
Any fun memories so far with the team and practices that stand out?
It’s a laid back and cool team. We’ve done numerous events together – Minkah had all of the defensive backs go swimming and some of them were almost drowning! We’ve gone bowling together too.
I think the most memorable on-field time was in seven shots when I made a play at the goal line on a switch route to break up a pass. All the guys jumped on me, celebrating. After that I think I felt more comfortable. It skyrocketed me – I had a pick-six and more pass breakups after that.
How do you stay focused in that battle to climb up the depth chart?
That’s a great question. I think that has developed over time. The Steelers are my sixth or seventh team now and I’ve learned how to navigate things better. I’ve learned how to block out the outside noise and learned how to be comfortable in this situation. If I fail, I know it won’t be because I didn’t try hard enough. I can accept that if I know I gave it my all.
Lastly, what should we know about you that has nothing to do with football?
I’m a God-fearing man – that means more to me than football! I love God and want to take care of my soul.
Outside of that – I still like to play Call of Duty and like to make and produce my own music in my free time.
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
