First off, what’s the offseason and OTAs been like for you?
It’s been good – it was different than being in Cincinnati. Mike {McCarthy} ran a tougher program – practices have been harder and longer than what we ran in Cincinnati. It was good though – with a new offense and me getting the chance to get to know those guys, it was great to be there and work on my craft and to get ready for camp.
Why did you decide to sign with Pittsburgh versus other teams?
I thought it was a good fit. I looked at the roster – they made a lot of moves in the receivers room and I thought I might have some opportunities there. It was also closer to home – and I love AFC North football.
Pittsburgh seems to give good chances to those in DII and DIII schools- lots of players from there – as a DIII player from Cortland State, was that a factor in signing with them?
I didn’t really know that – so that’s cool to know!
I know you’re not a rookie now – but who are some of the mentors so far on the team for you – on and off the field?
There are a number of guys that have been in the league for a while – DK, Pittman, Skowronek…. seeing the way they operate day-to-day – I modeled my routine after what I saw. I just want to follow in their footsteps.
What have you seen that has helped you most?
It’s a lot of the little things – how they manipulate routes, how they handle certain coverages – the intricacies of being a wide receiver in the NFL. Footwork and other techniques they’ve used.
How has the offense looked in terms of how you fit in to it? What makes it work well for your skillsets?
It’s been great. It’s a great system for the receivers. Mike and Coach Angelichio have a lot of great concepts to scheme receivers open versus different coverages. It’s a great opportunity for all of the receivers. A lot of us were making plays in OTAs – I made some too. I’m definitely excited for camp!
You spent last season with the Bengals – what did you learn there and how are the two teams different or similar- what have you noticed?
I learned a lot there. Coach Walters – he played a lot of years in the NFL. When he was coaching us he would be on the practice field with us with cleats on, showing us how to do drills. He didn’t just tell us, he showed us – that was really helpful.
Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are two of the best wide receivers in the NFL – being around them and watching them day-to-day was great. They are great receivers. There’s a lot of history too between the two teams – a lot of excitement around both teams. I really like being a part of that.
What do you bring that’s a bit different from the other guys on the team?
I can play any position – X, Z…I know the playbook now and the routes. I have reliable hands and good speed. I can also return kicks and punts and cover kicks on special teams. As a bottom of the roster guy I know that I need to be reliable – someone they can trust – and that I have to produce on special teams.
Did you play on special teams in college?
I returned kicks in college and did some with the Bengals too. I also ran down some kickoffs in college.
Coming from a DIII background, what has been the biggest adjustment for you and what does it mean to you to represent Cortland State as an NFL player?
The biggest difference was – my rookie year – the playbook was just like reading Chinese to me. Coming from a DIII school – there were just so many more words and the terminology – I had no idea about so much of it. I played football most of my life, but there was so much more football I learned that I didn’t even know existed!
It’s been a great opportunity to represent Cortland State and all DIII schools. To be a beacon of hope for them like some of the past DIII players have been for me. I just want to let them know how to make their own way to the NFL like those that paved the way before me.
What are coaches telling you about what you need to do to improve?
They’ve talked to me a little bit on the field – telling me when I had some good reps and to just keep doing what I’ve been doing. I just need to stay consistent – to be someone they can trust. If I’m asked to make a block – to make the block. And to be where I’m supposed to be when I’m running routes.
What do you do really well?
I run good routes – I have good speed and hands. You can’t teach hands – you can run great routes and get open but if you don’t have good hands it doesn’t matter. I also offer quarterbacks a good catch radius – I pride myself on being a quarterback’s best friend. If they miss a little bit on a throw – if they throw it behind me, I’ll still come down with it.
What will surprise people most about you as a player?
I think some people are surprised when they learn I was a DIII player. They say “Damn! How did you make it to the NFL?” I just tell them it doesn’t make me any less of a player. I can play with the best of them. To be honest it’s put a chip on my shoulder.
Lastly, what interests do you have beyond football – what should we know about you outside of the game?
I’m a simple guy – I like video games, playing with my dog, hanging out with my family and playing board games… I’m actually on my way to go camping with them now. I love all sports too -Wiffle ball, basketball, pickleball, baseball – I play them all. I just like staying active.