First off, why did you choose rot sign back with Pittsburgh?
It was a great opportunity. Meeting Coach Tomlin and Coach Dunlap and seeing that defensive line room and how it worked. Hard work there is respected. In Cincinnati I busted my butt but was battling things out of my control. In Pittsburgh it feels like effort is more respected. There’s more opportunity here – they show love from top to bottom.
Did you get any fun grief going bay and forth from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh a couple of times?
Ha yeah – a little bit. Especially when I went back to Cincinnati. They were just telling me “Dang dog, you’re coming back to us now?” I enjoyed my time there with those guys and am thankful for the opportunity they gave me there. Now I’m ready to elevate myself and showcase my ability.
What did the coaches say to you about what your role in Pittsburgh?
All I know is I don’t see myself as a run stopper or pass rush type of football player. I know I can do both. From what I heard from the coaches they like how I stop the run. I think I can do both though – I don’t feel like there’s a limit to my game.
I know you played for a smaller college – UNC Pembroke. You played your Senior year with a torn labrum. How did you manage to do that and play well?
It’s taken a lot to get here. It was rough but that’s how I was built. You have to be tough where I played high school- at Scotland, North Carolina. I played through ankle sprains and other injuries. It’s just not in me not to play. I’m just a grinder and show up and show out. If I can walk I can play.
I know in the NFL you have to be durable no matter how good you are.
Have you spoken to any of the few guys at Pembroke who made it to the NFL?
I’m the only guy who has made it to an active roster. So I never had that help from guys before me. All I learned I learned on the fly and from other players. A lot of that from guys from smaller schools who showed me how to do things.
Did you have any mentors that showed you the rope once you got to the NFL?
Playing behind D.J. Reader and B.J. Hill – those guys helped mold me and taught me the game and what the league us all about. They helped slow the game down for me. It’s not college anymore or even the USFL. D.J. told me I needed to be really good at one thing – to master one thing and I’d stick around. That’s what keeps you in the league. So I thought, “Ok, what could that be for me?” I focused on that – was it my effort? Stopping the run? I focused on those things.
B.J. Hill helped me with technique. In Pittsburgh, watching Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi prepare helped. Larry went to UNC Charlotte – down the road from me – so we had a good connection.
What was thew biggest difference between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh for you?
In Cincinnati it was more about mastering your specific job – it was stricter. In Pittsburgh the coaches are former players – they understood you can’t make every play, but they want you to be a baller. To give effort. Nobody gets on you if you are out of your gap if you recover and make the play. It’s less strict and more about your play as an individual. They are ok with you talking risks if you pic and choose right.
What are some of the more memorable moments from your time in Pittsburgh so far?
Watching Cam. I was shocked that he wasn’t this serious guy all the time. He’s a big joker – that helped me to feel more comfortable. You can be yourself there. Here’s this future Hall of Fame player that jokes around a lot, but turns it on on Sundays. He has fun and dominates. Seeing him being goofy and bullying guys and laughing – that’s something that surprised me when I got there – something I told my friends about.
What’s the one thing you need to improve on to make the active roster?
I just need to go out and dominate and stand out. Last year I had an arm injury and wasn’t able to out a lot of tape out there. This year I want to dominate and be durable. I want you to see my play and know who that guy is.
How hard is it bouncing between teams like you did last year?
It’s a lot. It’s not something I want to keep doing. I don’t want to chase money and float around. I want to stay and give my effort for this team. I was in Cincinnati for three years and went all out every day. I don’t like bouncing around. It’s tough mentally. At least when Cincinnati brought me back it felt good to be wanted – but I want to stay in one place.
Lastly, what should we know about you that has nothing to do with football. What makes you tick?
I’m a heavy gamer! I play all the games. I’m an avid gamer – it keeps me in the house and that’s what I spend my money on! My son is starting to play a lot now – I need to force him to do other activities now!