First off, let me know what the plan is leading up to rookie camp?
Really just starting to learn the playbook. That’s the biggest thing. And learning my role with the team. They told me they wanted me to play in the slot and contribute in the return game. I feel like I can play anywhere really, but I’m excited to play wherever they need me.
Why did you decide to sign with the Steelers?
I think it was just the best opportunity for me. Some teams have needs in certain areas – maybe they didn’t bring some guys back or draft guys for a certain spot. So when you look at the roster you can see where the best opportunity is for you.
You seemed to take a huge leap in 2023, winning first team All-American honors after moving around between schools some earlier. What prompted the moves and what led to the big leap in production?
It was really getting the opportunity to play and prove I could compete against Power Five teams. In Minnesota the playing style was different than I expected in the league.
When I went to the Big 10 – it was a more safety-driven league. When I went out there I didn’t have the year I expected to have after having an All-Conference year the year before. I was hoping to have a great season then go to the NFL. That’s why I decided to go to a conference where the teams passed the ball more, so I could get more opportunities to really show something on film. That’s why I went to West Virginia. It was another program to learn in and another year of experience for me to learn how to prepare and take care of my body.
At West Virginia I was more comfortable too. The coaches there let me be me. They didn’t try to change the person I was. As a player coaches work with you on your on your technique and play, sure, but as a person they didn’t try to change me. I was less able to be myself in Minnesota and play freely and show emotion like I was able to do at West Virginia.
Slot Corner seems an open opportunity that many have said you fit well in – what are your thoughts on playing the slot? What helps you excel there?
I think playing physical and being twitchy. I can bang with the tight ends and blitz – and I tackle well. I feel I’m a very physical player and love to tackle and can guard those shorter, faster guys. So I think I’m a good fit for it, yeah.
What do you think you need or want to work on most?
For me, I think the biggest thing is transitioning to the NFL and the illegal contact type of stuff. Obviously I have areas to improve on on all aspects of my game. I’m not the best I can be yet. But I’m going to a trainer to work on those things – especially to be less handsy. It’ll be different too once I get there and work with the vets and coaches. They’ll show me how they do things too.
Any mentors that impacted you most so far?
I think my defensive backs coach at Western Kentucky – Coach Key (Keynodo Hudson) – that was my first year I had a defensive backs coach. The defensive coordinator worked with us before that but they really focus more on the defense as a whole. So he helped me become a better player.
My trainer as well – at Aspirations. I had him as my trainer since high school.
They all taught me that football mentality. To be tough and physical and impose my will on players. Especially at Western Kentucky, Coach Key taught me about the game. He has been around a lot of drafted players and knows what it takes to help guys become successful at that level. Watching film, attacking practices and games – being physical. He helped with all of that.
Know anyone in Pittsburgh besides Zach? Spoke to John Rhys and Ryan Watts who had nice things to say about you after meeting you at EXOS. Anyone you’re excited to see and work with in Pittsburgh?
The EXOS guys for sure. And Zach Frazier – it’ll be nice to work out with him again and be around a former teammate. We’ll both be starting at square one again as rookies, so it’ll be fun going out there with him.
Meeting the vets too – Minkah is the first that comes to mind. He’s one of those guys that’s done it all. And TJ Watt – those guys that get to the quarterback make our job easier. I like to get close to those guys! Pass rush and coverage go hand-in-hand. I’m excited to meet everyone though.
What makes you a good return man?
I almost always make the first man miss and get North-South quickly. I’m a defensive guy so I don’t like going to the ground. I don’t turn the ball over either – and I’m elusive.
Lastly, what makes you tick besides football?
Where I come from. I like to think I can give hope and inspiration to people in Louisville and Western Kentucky. My route may have taken me longer to get to this point, but everyone’s process is different. To think I can be someone’s role model and show them they can do it as well means a lot to me.
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