First off- what made you decide to sign with the Steelers this offseason?
Honestly, I asked my agent that as well. I had a lot of workouts last year and Pittsburgh was just the most recent one. I was the most fluid of the guys they worked out and they signed me then – it just worked out for me that way.
Did any of those veteran defensive backs help you out most in Pittsburgh?
All of them did – the main guys like Ramsey and Joey Porter were just made active recently – so the guys that helped most on the field were Echols, Samuel and Deal. In the meeting room it was J-Ram (Ramsey) – most definitely.
You seemed to take a real step up in Pittsburgh after Jacksonville – why do you think that was?
Me getting cut in Jacksonville! That lit a fire. Going from college to the NFL – into the workforce – that’s hard. You have to find yourself all over again. It’s hard – you have to provide for your family.
In Pittsburgh it was a brotherhood – we are all attacking the day and building chemistry. That helped me a lot – being a part of that brotherhood where we all help each other.
The coaches – the emphasis on culture and aggressiveness was big. They got us believing in the culture. They are good at teaching technique and process and getting us to believe in it.
What have the coaches been emphasizing most with you guys on defense versus what was taught last year?
I came in after the last playoff game – right as Mike T. resigned. But from what the vets said – it was about keeping that aggressiveness – that Steelers way. The physicality of it. That’s what coach Graham teaches. That and pressure on the quarterback – the way we get to the quarterback will be exciting to watch. That hunger and aggression will show for sure and it’ll be 10-times better with all of the vets on the field.
Have the coaches talked to you at all yet about making the roster or not?
They haven’t discussed it yet – it’s all about to happen soon. I just put my best foot forward and hope for the best. If I make the practice squad ok I guess- I’ll be happy to still be on the team. Whatever they see fit – I don’t take offense – it’s no type of way. I just do what I can. If I don’t make the active roster – with so many vets stamped into the system -if I’m on the practice squad I’ll just have to stay ready to move up when the opportunity comes up.
What do you think is your biggest area of improvement – what can you hone in on that coaches have mentioned?
I’m my own biggest critic. But with the coaches they just stressed the coaching points – being consistent and disciplined in coverages and tackling and keeping leverage.
You played a number of different positions in high school and college – how has that impacted your play now?
It helped tremendously – I won’t lie! I was an outside linebacker in high school and transitioned to safety my Senior year. In college I played nickel, safety, then cornerback. That was helpful, for sure. I was able to maintain my speed through the whole thing – it was about body control and being fluid as a corner. Playing all of those positions helped me to learn the different types of ways the defense was structured.
How did the team approach the installation of the new defense?
It started in the OTAs – it was a smooth installation beginning with the one-on-ones – practicing coverages and understanding what we’re taking away from the offense. Training camp got really detailed on the concepts. But they took their time during OTAs to start with- they didn’t rush it. They did it step-by-step – that’s what OTAs are for.
The calls and coverages aren’t difficult to understand – it’s more about understanding the whole defense and the calls – focusing on what we’re trying to take away in each call.
You weren’t raw but you didn’t have as much experience as some other guys coming into the NFL as corners – did you feel that gave you an edge in terms of coaches seeing “upside” with you?
Not really. I don’t see it like that – the NFL isn’t a development league. You either win or you don’t! However I can catch up on my own and by learning what the coaches teach us quickly – that’s what I need to do.
I’m a defensive back – that’s how I see myself – not a corner. My first two preseason games I played nickel. I played aggressive and showed my passion for the game. This last game was the first I played full corner. They prepped me for it during the week so that was good.
How do you navigate not knowing what’s next – whether you make the team or not?
First off, I’m not worried – I give all of my worries to God. When I was down after I was cut by Jacksonville I asked the Lord what my purpose was. I hope to stay in Pittsburgh now – I love the brotherhood here. Making the 53 is the goal – if that happens I’ll move my family up here. If I just make the practice squad I’ll just keep my head down and work to make the 53.
As a guy who’s ben through this before – how do you act as a mentor for guys completely new to it all?
I feel like a mentor for sure and try and keep it real with them – and have fun with them too. Nothing is promised – I remind them of that. Its about blocking out the noise and getting to do what we love. That’s what I tell them.
What are the memories over the preseason that stand out to you most?
I just enjoyed the process – spending time with the DB group – going out – those little roundsies we all did together and having fun in meetings getting to know each other and our families and the reason why they all play the game.
My first game against Green Bay – that was electric – getting to show our passion for the game.
What’s the hope for you at this point? Will you bring your family up if you end up on the practice squad?
I’ll wait if I get on the practice squad – if that happens I may end up getting picked up by another team – you never know how it plays out. I don’t want to make any drastic decisions, moving my babies up here too quickly. I just hope I stay here – I love the coaches and brotherhood here.