First off, what made you decide to sign with the Steelers?
I was there for a workout last August and signed with them when I was cut after the season ended. I worked out for Atlanta as well but the Steelers said they were looking for a third running back
Did you look at the roster prior to signing – was that part of the decision for you?
Sure definitely. That goes into play. I was excited when my agent called about the opportunity. When I was there before for the workout it was a great experience. I really enjoyed talking to the scouts and seeing the facility.
What’s the offseason plan for you now?
I live in California – so I’m out here now training and working out. Nothing changes for me – I’m just staying in shape and trying to get better every day and be prepared for next season.
Coming from a school like Harvard that isn’t known for sending a lot of players to the NFL, do you feel like you have to prove yourself more – is there that chip on your shoulder?
For sure – definitely. Coming from Harvard, people don’t expect much. I just want to prove that I can still play at this level. Especially coming from a super-competitive high school, I have that competitive edge.
Why did you decide to go to Harvard?
Coming out of high school, I had a lot of offers. My recruiting coach said that I had the grades to go to an Ivy League school. I took an official visit to Harvard and fell in love with it. I mean, what person can say they went to Harvard? No one in my family – no one I knew did. It may have seemed like a difficult choice to make, but if I got hurt I knew I’d have a Harvard deg=ree to fall back on!
How would you describe yourself as a running back – what is your running style?
I’m more of a slower-plane running back. I’m slow to the hole but fast in the hole.
A lot like Le’Veon Bell’s style?
It’s funny you say that because I actually watched a lot of Le’Veon Bell and play a lot like him. I’m not saying I’m Le’Veon Bell, but I run a bit like him, though I’m a bit faster to the hole.
At Harvard we played a lot of shotgun – I feel comfortable there. I can run any route in the route tree and can run inside and have good speed on the outside. I’m in my second year in the league and feel more comfortable under center now too.
Anyone help mentor you as you began your career in the NFL?
Zeke Elliott in Dallas- he spent a lot of time after practice watching film and analyzing things like blitz keys. He also helped me to understand how to play under center and look for those landmarks and reads. That helped me to mature as a player.
Have you spoken to the team much yet?
I just spoke to Darrel Young – their Director of Player Development. He gave me the rundown and told me they were looking for a third down back. He told me to be prepare for special teams and not to worry – they had me covered on things like housing and food.
I wanted to ask you about that – how is your blocking and special teams play – those will be key to making the team as a third down, right?
For sure. My blocking has gotten so much better since I got to the league. Just learning how to pick up who’s coming first, and from where is key to getting in the right position to make the block. In San Diego, we also did a lot of one-on-one drills against the linebackers and that helped me as well. I’m way better than I was in college – I’m less worries about that now.
I didn’t play special teams in college. I returned a couple of kicks but then I was made the starter and they took me off special teams. I’m getting more comfortable with it – and a lot of it would be blocking too.
What makes you tick that has nothing to do with football?
I love to cook. My goal, if I play long enough to make enough money, is to go to culinary school and become a chef. That’s my dream job after football. I wasn’t allowed in the kitchen with my mother unless I was helping her out.
Anything you like to cook most?
I like to try everything. I make my own tortellini. I handmake everything from scratch. I love cooking ribeye steaks and Étouffée. I’ve been cooking since I remember.
Don’t tell the team that – they’ll make you cook for all of them!
Ha yeah – they’ll try and make me the team chef!
Lastly, what are you looking forward to most next season?
Just getting the opportunity. Get some comfortability with a team is so important. Talking and being with the scouts and coaches in that first workout makes me feel more comfortable that I can go there and show what I can do when I get there.
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
