First off, what’s the offseason plan for you?
Well, I have a baby coming in May so I’m looking forward to that! For now, I’m looking over my notes of my time in Pittsburgh – the playbook and techniques, trying to improve on those things. Even my notes from Cleveland – there are techniques I learned there that I can apply to my game still.
Soon I’ll go back home to Maryland and train with my brother and college coach.
What caused you to sign with the Steelers originally?
I always had great talks with them and they’ve shown their interest long before the draft. They were the first team to contact me after I was waived from the 49ers, and again assured me how much they wanted me.
Even though I was released from their practice squad it was due to other players injuries that were out of their control, not due to them not wanting me. They never replaced me with another player in my position, and Omar was in contact with my agent frequently in hopes of resigning me.
In general they seem like a great fit for me because I’ve always had that hardworking, blue collar mentality/grind that the Steel City is known for. I’ve really enjoyed the entire staff within this organization, from the players and coaches to every staff member inside the facility. So far I’ve had a great relationship with each person and I’m not done there yet.
Were there guys that you learned the most from so far over your time in San Francisco, Cleveland and Pittsburgh?
Obviously in San Francisco, Trent Williams. Watching him – he was a freak of an athlete. Being in the room with him and learning from him was amazing.
In Pittsburgh, James Daniels – I learned so much under his wing. The fundamentals – learning from him how to play guard. I played tackle in college – this was the first time I ever played guard. It’s very different learning how to play in a phone booth as a guard versus tackle.
With the Browns, Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller. Both were very vocal players. It wasn’t just learning the fundamentals – they and Coach Callahan gave me some great advice – some good nuggets on striking movements and techniques.
What were the differences you saw between Pittsburgh and Cleveland?
Both were great places to play. For me it was just exciting to see how things are run. Being there with Joe Flacco in Cleveland – I grew up in Maryland and was a big Flacco fan. Being in the locker room with him was amazing.
I learned a lot from both teams but both were pretty similar. Football is football from a practice standpoint.
Are there guys in Pittsburgh you’ve grown closer to and are looking forward to seeing when you get back?
Spencer Anderson and I trained together pre-draft in Florida. I knew him right away when I got there. Broderick Jones and I of course came to the team together in the same class, so we got close. Dylan Cook – he and I still talk almost every day. Ryan McCollum and I also gelled.
What did the coaches talk to you about most in terms of what you need to work on for next year?
They told me my ceiling was high for someone who has only played the position for such a short time. As a Division II player, that tag stays with me. I know I need to prove myself against NFL-level talent- I understand that. I need to learn the fundamentals of the guard position. I’ve also been told I should learn to snap and have that in my back pocket.
Were there practice matchups that have been the most fun for you so far over your NFL career?
That San Francisco defensive line – Hargrave and Armstead – getting my hands on those guys. Cam Heyward – he is a horse. It was great to get my hands on him and see what made him a household name.
Myles Garrett in Cleveland and TJ Watt – it was a great experience blocking those guys one-on-one.
OK – which of the two was most difficult to block?
Dude both are great! They are both so shifty and strong. Getting my hands on those guys – I can see why both are double and triple teamed most every play!
Lastly, what else should we know about you that has nothing to do with football?
I’m a big weight room guy and love learning about nutrition and what to take. I’ve experimented with a number of different supplements over the years after doing a lot of research. When I spoke to the Steelers’ nutritionist she told me “Wow, you’re more advanced than most of the players I speak to!”
How did you learn about the different supplements?
Through YouTube a lot of it. I was self-taught though I took some classes in college as well. I’ve always been fascinated in it.
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
