First, can you let me know how the invite to camp occurred for you considering the fact you haven’t actually played at the college level?
The entire process has been a blessing. Football was always in the cards – I come from a football family. My dad – Gabe Sr. – he played in the NFL, and my uncle did too.
I was a successful track athlete – as an athlete I was always confident in my ability. I didn’t get the opportunity to play in college though I was on the team at Texas Tech my Senior year. I took it as far as I could and believe I have the talent to take it to the next level in the NFL.
As far as how the Steelers found me. They saw me at my pro day and reached out to me last Thursday. I don’t have an agent – they called me directly and told me they were interested in having me come to camp on a tryout basis.
What did they tell you drove their interest in you?
I think my overall athleticism. My strength and explosiveness. They saw my practice film and I guess they saw promise there. Obviously, I’m raw. But I know how the game of football works. I’m not starting from scratch. I think they saw that I can bend, have a good football IQ and am explosive. I think that intrigued them and compelled them to give me a shot.
How do you think your track work – discuss and shot-put – helps you as a football player?
I did all the throws there. The biggest thing is the footwork and hips. As a defensive lineman you have too be able to get skinny and get vertical. Track can be very technical – you need good technique. That detailed approach helps me as a defensive lineman too. That and the help it gives me in having explosive hips.
How do you prepare for camp, being as draw as you are?
It’s all new to me – I’m still trying to profess it all. It’s a blessing. My dad played in the NFL for a few teams for a few yeas and he was instrumental in my development. He showed me the ropes and did a good job with showing me the blueprint for how to prepare. The physical and mental aspect of the game. Now I know the NFL has changed since he played but he was spot-on with how he prepared me at Texas Tech.
You expect to play on the interior defensive line in camp/the NFL?
I was an interior lineman at Texas Tech. I know things may be different at the next level – the NFL has different schemes. I’m not sure where they’ll think I’m best-suited, but we’ll see where they move me round. I’m probably better as an interior lineman but I’m open to whatever they want to do. I want to prove to them that I can help them win – in whatever they want me to do.
Being so raw, is the practice squad to start with a desirable option for you?
For me, my entire approach is to take things one step at a time. Getting invited to camp was the biggest step – without that there was no opportunity for anything more. Now I just need to prove myself so that I get called back. I need to work hard and bust my tail. I’ll strive for as much as I can get. I don’t believe in striving for the minimum. But I know my situation – coming in without a high level of experience. Whatever they see for me is what I’ll do. I’m just so grateful and excited for the opportunity. I just want to establish t them that I’m a hard worker and coachable.
Did you father give you any special tips for this camp tryout?
The biggest thing he told me was to go and hustle and work hard. Don’t take any plays off and run to the ball. All of those little things matter. You get limited opportunities – you have to take advantage of every single snap you get.
Have you taken stock of the fact the Steelers especially seem to give undrafted free agents a real shot?
It’s funny – not pertaining to the Steelers specifically, but I have seen a bunch of undrafted player make it. That the Steelers have a lot of those guys is a great sign. That they give players an opportunity to prove themselves.
Lastly, what should we know about you that isn’t sports-related?
The one thing is I can be very intense, but at the same time I’m an easy-going person. I enjoy fellowship. I like to build relationships – those are my favorite moments in life. Thats one thing I’m excited about in going to camp.
I like gaming, music … I haven’t had much time for a lot of extracurricular but as I’ve gotten older I’ve gotten into some outdoors stuff. I like exploring the outdoors. I just want to live life and continue to broaden my horizons.
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