First, can you let us know how you get invited to camp by the Steelers?
It’s been an interesting path to get here. I thought I was in a good position to get drafted or at least get signed as an undrafted free agent coming out of Delaware, but it just didn’t happen for me.
My agent told me about a number of camp invites I had and we sifted through them. I went to the Eagles camp and that went well. I just got onto the Steelers’ radar recently – I think they watched some film recently and liked what they saw. The Steelers play defense the way I like to play defense. I grew up watching them as a kid – I watched the Steelers-Ravens games and loved the way they played defense.
How did you get on their radar recently?
My agent did a great job – he got my film in front of the right people. I’m a man of faith and just think God has a path for me and maybe this is the path he wanted me on.
A lot of turnover in that inside linebacker room – did that influence your choice?
I did look at the linebacker room. I think it’s still a great room – a lot of young and hungry players and some good veteran guys. I think the fit is great – I’m excited to get started,
What makes that fit so great for you?
I think its such a great fit because I watch how they play – they hustle to the ball and play with a violent and extreme passion. They are always round the ball – they run to and through the ball and that’s the way I play. I play with a violent and passionate attitude and make plays – with a relentless effort, just like they do. On special teams and on defense.
Speaking of special teams, what is your experience on special teams?
I love special teams – I take pride in my special teams play. Even as a fifth year Senior I wouldn’t let the coaches take me off of special teams. I’d play offense, defense and special teams if I could. As an all-state running back in high school I learned to love all parts of the game.
How did that experience as a running back help you on defense?
Aside from the physical attributes it takes to play running back, it helped me to understand how running backs think. That’s who I was so it gave me a natural feel for where the ball was going to go. It helped me put myself in the right spot. Playing running back was fun but it enhanced my ability to feel where there running backs were going to cut. It gave me a ball-carrier’s vision on defense. My coach told me to be a running back without the ball.
Who help mentor you as a player?
My father, John – he played at Rutgers as a defense lineman. He put me on the path to play football. Ed Hernandez was a great strength coach who helped me.
My linebacker coach – Manny Rojas at Delaware – he was a Pittsburgh legend and taught me the X’s and O’s of playing linebacker. And Rich Yoner too – he helped me to learn the game. Paul Warrilow also helped me. He was an eight-year football vet but of Delaware and made it as an undrafted feee agent – he played in the Super Bowl with the Eagles and went on to play for the Jets and Lions. He helped me learn the game and worked with me at our pro day.
What do you think your greatest attribute is as a player and where do you need to imporve most?
I’d argue my best attribute is my production. I get to the football every play. I’d challenge anyone to stop the film at the end of every play at Delaware and look for me. I’ll be there every play. I am always around the ball.
As for improvement. I can always improve. I think there’s just a lack of tape on me to do some things they need me to do in the NFL. Due to our scheme at Delaware I wasn’t asked to rush the passer or cover a lot. But I’m confident in my ability to do so – I just never got the chance to show it.
You ok if you start off on the practice squad?
My mindset is always that I want to start off on the 53 and make plays on Sundays. But I understand I’m a rookie. I get that. I just watched James Harrison’s It’s a Football Life”. I see what it can take to get there. I just trust God’s plan and believe I’m ready and on the right path.
Lastly, what should we know about you that has nothing to do with football?
That’s tough as so much about me is about football. I think I was born to play football – I wanted to play since I was a baby.
Other than football, I’d say my family and my faith – they go hand-in-hand. I love spending time with my family and my girlfriend, who I consider family – we’ve been together since high school.
I also have a dog – a pitbull that I named Backer. There’s a fun fact that shows how much I love the game! I’m just an easy going guy – but I flip a switch when it’s time to play football.
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
