First, let me know what the plans fore the offseason are for you?
Honestly, I’m just taking a bit of time off to let my body recover. You get a few nagging injuries and I don’t want to train with a hurt body, so I’m just giving it a little time first. But I’m still exercising, stretching – staying in shape.
It was a crazy season for you – what made you decide to accept the Steelers offer to sign you off of Chicago’s practice squad?
They just told me they really wanted me, For me, it was a great opportunity to showcase my skills and put some things on film. I’m thankful that they chose to sign me and believed in me.
How hard was the adjustment going from one city to another so quickly – from Chicago to Pittsburgh? And how do you handle that mentally?
Honestly, it was a fine adjustment. Going from one to another happened so fast – I went home and packed and get to Pittsburgh right away. A day later I was in practice and four days later I was in a game.
The transition to a new environment was so fast – new faces and plays. I got mad help and love from the players and coaches. They guided me – helped me to learn the playbook. I ended up playing in my first game – a meaningful one versus the Bengals.
What was going through your head when you went in the game?
Man, I was just thinking, “This is really happening.” I knew I was getting the ball when I went in – I knew I had to do something with i! And I had a nice run that first play.
Anyone help mentor you as a new player in a new city?
Believe it or not, the entire locker room. It’s amazing. Everybody has been helpful. They all helped me to adjust to a new environment – I’ve appreciated it a lot.
The biggest help was maybe making sure I didn’t make the game bigger than it is. To have fun. It’s my first season – it’s important to settle down and have fun too.
The team was able top utilize your skills in two ways – special teams and on offense. What makes you a good kick returner?
My ability to utilize my speed and to be fearless when I hit holes. You have to trust the guys in front of you and I was learning to do that more as the season went on. We’re getting better at it as a team. We were really getting started and I think we’ll be very good next season. I think we can do some great things in the return game. We’re starting to build something special – it’s going to be fun.
It takes time to build chemistry. I’m learning how they block and they are understanding more about where I’m going on returns. Having a full season with OTAs and training camp will make a big difference – we can use that time to really learn each other.
What did they tell you you needed to work on after the season ended?
A little bit of everything really. I’m hard on myself really, but I just have to improve on every aspect of my game – from my speed to my hands. I just need to be ready for anything. They just want me to learn the playbook more and be prepared for anything.
It’s a crowded running back group – what do you expect next season for you?
It’s a great running back room – there’s a lot of talent. I have to find my part – whatever it may be. Whether it’s as a third down guy, speed guy for hitting outside zones, I just have to learn my role and master it, whatever it may be.
Any thoughts on your ability to get more involved in the passing game – more playing in space?
I definitely feel like I can use my speed more to my advantage in space – that my speed can help there. I can contribute to the passing game more yes – I just have to continue to work on it and be available when they need me.
From your perspective, what was the mindset of the team after that last game versus Baltimore?
You know, the team wasn’t shaken at all. It’s a solid team – they know that the future is bright. They trust the process and are very confident in next season – they’re ready to get back to work and make it a great season. We know we have something special here.
It was a tough season for the team with injuries and not making the playoffs. How does Coach Tomlin keep the team positive like that?
He continuously motivates the team. He shows us how we can better ourselves and do our part. He’s constantly coming up with ideas to keep us positive and learning from our mistakes so we don’t keep making the same mistakes. He sets us up for success. That’s why I’m confident we’ll have a great season next season.
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