First off, what made you decide to sign with the Steelers?
Honestly, the last months leading up to the draft I had no contact with the Steelers – it all came out of the woodwork at the end. I had no conversations with coaches leading up to the draft. In the late rounds one team called and was going to give me an offer but then they picked a tight end at the end of the draft so that fell through.
It was silent after the draft for about 30 minutes when my agent called saying the Steelers wanted to sign me – he locked that in. It was funny to hear since I had no contact with them. But my agent told my that’s pretty typical for the Steelers – they are one of the more quiet teams. I’m super-excited though to go to the Steelers though. That program has had a lot of success – it has so many great players and a great fanbase.
I did see their scouts at our pro day – I saw him watching from the back. I’m excited to start. I know the work is just starting now. We’ll see how it goes as I go through mini-camp and develop as a player.
Know anyone on the team?
I don’t know any of them, no.
Have you had a chance to learn any of how Art Smith’s offense works yet?
I haven’t gotten a playbook yet but I’ll be watching film to see how they use their tight ends – the formations and alignments. I know it’s a tight end friendly offense so I’ll see the traits they look for – that the shifts and alerts look like.
You have superior athletic ability – your numbers outshine most of the tight ends at the combine. Why do you think you weren’t invited to the combine?
I don’t know – since high school I’ve been overlooked. I had the athletic ability but was overlooked. My friends in the Mountain West and on FCS teams told me they had no clue why I wasn’t in the FCS either.
So I don’t know why – maybe I had an immature awkwardness in high school and that created some hesitation for some teams but I can’t pinpoint it. I can say now though that I’m super happy how it all played out and I wouldn’t change a thing. I really enjoyed playing at South Dakota – the coaches and community as a whole were very welcoming. It was a nice switch coming from a big city in Colorado to play for a small town in the middle of nowhere.
How would you describe your playing style?
I was actually recruited at first to be an outside linebacker – I have that defensive mindset as well. I’m not afraid to hit or be hit. And I also played on special teams my first two years at South Dakota – on punt and kickoff returns.
I played a hybrid style as a tight end- in South Dakota I lined up at every receiver spot, in the backfield, on ball and off. I have a lot of versatility from that standpoint. I don’t have any trouble with perimeter blocking – the tougher part is in-line blocking. Not from a physical or mental standpoint – I’m 100% willing. It’s just getting the right technique – not getting too top-heavy and now always going for the pancake or blow-up block. I just need to learn better technique.
What are the memories that stand out to you most so far over your playing career?
A week ago I would have said my overall success at South Dakota and the success of the team. We made history there – we made deep playoff runs in 2023 and 2024 – no other South Dakota team has done that.
But now it’s being signed by the Steelers and getting the chance to make the roster!
How are you preparing for camp having never been through it?
I pride myself from a physical standpoint – that’s easier than the mental standpoint of learning the playbook and the different positions to be as versatile as possible. The playbook is going to get real complicated and hefty soon. Being reliable – knowing what I am doing so they trust me is key.
I’ve never been through this process before – so it’s hard to tell. It’s more business-affiliated than college. If you don’t perform in the NFL you’re out of there!
Have you spoken to anyone to help you learn that process at all in advance?
I’ve spoken to someone from the team who walked me through things – what to expect – what the first few days of camp look like and what to expect from the rookie development program. They talked to me a bit about what meetings are like so I have a better idea on what things look like.
Have you ever been to the city
I’ve never been to Pittsburgh – I’ve been to Pennsylvania once but closer to Philadelphia. I have some friends that have bene there and they told me how cool of a city it is and what to expect. I did some research and saw pictures – a lot of hills and cool terrain – I like that, being from Colorado.
Lastly, what should we know about you that has nothing to do with football?
I’m a very social person – I love spending time with family and friends – I’m open and honest with them about my life. That’s what keeps me going – those relationships and bonds. I have a good support group and that’s what drives me as a person. I love developing those deeper connections with people.