First off, how did you get on the Steelers radar for the invite – what did they tell you?
I had a workout last Monday and after that my agent called me and let me know the Steelers wanted to bring me in for a tryout. I guess they watched some film on me. I put up some good numbers at Millersville and I just think that caught their interest.
Are you coming in as a defensive lineman or outside linebacker?
They said they wanted to work me out as an outside linebacker. I used to play interior defensive line, but with my size I think they see me more as an outside linebacker in the NFL.
How do you make that transition to a position you haven’t played before?
I just have to watch film to see what other guys do – watch some old games and see what I have to do. I’m used to being an underdog. Outside linebacker is something new to me but I have some experience playing end for Millersville in addition to being an interior lineman. Also, I did play some at linebacker at some of the bowl games to help me learn some of that technique, but I know I have a lot to learn still.
I’m a football player and an athlete – I don’t think I’ll have a problem making the transition.
Anyone you like to model your game around?
A guy like Von Miller – his speed and aggressiveness off the edge. I think I have the athletic ability to drop into coverage to and disrupt the pass.
Who helped mentor you to bring you to this point? And how?
A lot of people have helped me. The coaches at Millersville. My Defensive Line Coach Stephen Rivera and the other coaches there – on and off the field. Outside of Millersville, I trained with Shariff Floyd who is with the Vikings now, and Deion Barnes who’s coaching now at Penn State. I learned a lot from them doing drills, how to drop into coverage….they helped me – and the defensive backs coach at Level 40 did too.
Ever been to Pittsburgh?
To be honest I really didn’t go anywhere off the school campus when I was at Millersville – I don’t know a lot about Pittsburgh, no.
What’s going to help you most to make the transition to the NFL and outside linebacker?
Putting in that extra work, and asking questions. I was always taught that there’s no such thing as a stupid question. Not asking a question is the stupid thing. I’ll ask questions no matter what – even if other guys wonder why I asked it. I don’t want there to be any confusion when I get on the field.
That, and my size and athleticism. We ran a 3-4 at Millersville, so even though I wasn’t a linebacker, the way we ran it with me having to face pulling guards and tackles – that helped me to learn how to use my speed and strength and athleticism to play in the 3-4.
Lastly, what should we know about you that has nothing to do with football?
I’m a big movie guy. I like to sit around and watch movies – any kind of movie. I can tell you all about any movie – more than anyone. It doesn’t matter what type – I could write a book about all the movies I’ve seen!
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