First off, what brought you to the USFL?
Well, when I came out of college from San Diego State as a free agent, I signed with the Patriots for guaranteed money – me and my agent thought it would be a good place to go. I thought I’d make the practice squad at least but with Covid, it was just hard to handle that year. It was all virtual and that was new to me and to them. It was tough – when it came to the day to report to camp I was cut the day before I reported. I had no chance to show what I could do.
What happened after that?
I was put on waivers and the Panthers picked me up – I took a red-eye flight to Carolina and was there for a month. I guess I wasn’t able to make a big enough impact. I got there late and didn’t know the playbook when I got there – I wasn’t there for OTAs or camp so I was in a bad position. Not blaming anyone but just trying to make that transition was difficult.
After that I had two tryouts – one with the Steelers – it went well but it was late in the season and they wanted a veteran at the time.
Then the Spring League?
Yeah – then the USFL came up. I didn’t know if it would be like the XFL and take longer to get it up and running. But it actually came through. I entered my name and got drafted. And I know so many people there. E.J. Ejiya is my guy – we have a great chemistry together. I played with Josh Love in high school – Boogie Roberts too. We’re all from California and pretty familiar with each other. It’s crazy how it all worked out.
Any idea on where they’ll have you play? Inside or outside?
I’m not sure how they’ll do it. I can play all three positions depending on what they run. I’m versatile so I’ll do whatever they want. It doesn’t matter to me – I just want to be on the field.
Anyone help mentor you over your career – especially at the pro level – to help you know what to expect?
Tahir Whitehead in Carolina helped. I didn’t have any mentors – I don’t think anyone really knew what it was like to experience things coming in during Covid. They couldn’t really help a lot with that. I felt by myself a lot – a lot was self-taught.
Tahir helped me to get my mind on the business side of the game. Things happen – you just have to keep moving forward. As an undrafted free agent you have to learn that you can’t be picky – you have to take whatever routes come to you. Even if it’s not one you wanted to take – you have to take any chance you get.
What is your approach to the game now?
I’ve been playing since I was five. It changed my life in so many ways. This route I’ve had to take to get here – it taught me so much about myself. It showed me who really cares for me. It’s always been a rollercoaster but I don’t plan on giving up. The NFL is my ultimate goal and I want to prove to myself that I am who I think I am as a football player and can compete with NFL players.
It took a lot to become confident again. I thought I would be drafted in the NFL but that didn’t happen. I had to overcome a lot to get here. It’s been a crazy route but it’s been worth it in the end.
You said you’ve been to Pittsburgh – what was that visit like?
It was a year ago – I saw Coach Tomlin and Coach Klemm – I’m good friends with him. He knew me in high school. Maybe my play in the USFL can be a stepping stone to get back to Pittsburgh. They told me they knew who I was and I should go “Be me.” Hopefully this year I’ll put up some good film and get another opportunity to play in Pittsburgh.
What should fans know about you outside of football – what interests you?
I’m just the most average guy ever! I just like to hang out and play video games and chill. Just do the normal things. I”m a homebody – I like to go and have fun with my family and friends too but like to kick it at home with my family and nephew – trying to get him into football more.
I just love the game of football. I hope fans will see that real soon when they see me play. I have a lot to prove but I am willing to do what it takes.