First, how are you handling getting ready for the season aright now considering the issues we’re all experiencing?
This past week things have sped up – I’ve just been working out and staying in shape. Now our Zoom meetings have started- Terry Cousins- the Directory of Player Development – he’s been letting us know what’s going going and what to expect. It’s so far really just been an orientation for the rookies so I’ve just been staying in shape waiting for camp.
What made you decide to sign with the Steelers?
First – really, it was an honor to have an opportunity to play at the highest level – let alone with an established organization like the Steelers. They have a great defense – that the coaches thought that highly of me to bring me in and to take a chance on me means a lot. They felt I had a chance to make the team with my style of play. I talked to my agent and the Steelers’ GM and we felt this was the best opportunity for me to make an NFL team.
You played mostly defensive end in college – but do you think you’ll be slotted at outside linebacker with Pittsburgh?
From what I gather, yes. I haven’t spoken to my position coach yet, but I know players play the defensive end position I played in college differently depending on where you play. I watched Bud and TJ playing the edge – the jack – whatever the name they give to it in Pittsburgh – that hybrid-defensive end position. I’m excited to learn that as well.
Can you handle the dropping into coverage and other linebacker-oriented duties?
I played defensive end my whole life – at Baylor I played the end-rush position. But for two years there they had me drop in the boundary at time to cover backs on flares and screens. So I have some experience doing it. But now it will be doing it full-time as a linebacker. I’m excited to learn the position. I think I’ll be ok.
What do you think you excel at most?
I think what the coaches and scouts saw in me is that I have a fire in me – I have a high-motor – I’m a high effort guy. You look at film of any game I played in and you can see what kind of player I was. The film shows I care about the game and about giving it my all every play.
What do you need to improve on, do you think?
I know I need to improve on everything to compete at the NFL level. I know that’s a boring – generic answer though! So I will say probably most – my pass rush and drops.
As a smaller guy, how does that affect your style of play and ability as a pass rusher?
Before there was an NFL for me, in high school and college people compared me most to guys like James Harrison and John Randle because of my size and the fact I was a strong guy – I’m always in the weight room. Randle more when I played at 280.
Everyone plays the position differently, but I’m a speed-to-power guy. Harrison had a violent bull rush and I’m trying to develop that as well. At 6’2″, my pad level is a big advantage for me at times due to my strength. I know I’ll need to work on that though and continue to get stronger.
Have you played much special teams? That’ll be a huge difference-maker for guys trying to make the team…
I played the back shield on punts for Baylor. Really, I can play anything on special teams if they give me a shot.
Do you know anyone on the team – anyone you’re most interested in learning from?
I don’t know anyone there at all, no. But I’m excited to learn under Bud and TJ. Those are two heck of guys to learn from. And I’ll try not to be a fanboy of Ben and JuJu! It’ll be great to meet both guys though.
What makes you tick outside of football? What should fans know about you?
It may sound nerdy, butI just like chilling out and playing video games and watching TV. Whatever the latest show is on Netflix I’m on it. And I love Call of Duty. That’s really all anyone can do now anyway!
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
