First, how is the offsseason going for you – what are you working on?
Right now, I’m not doing much working out. I’m just working out a little bit and trying to keep my body right. I haven’t been doing much because the coaches told us to rest our bodies. I’m not used to that really. Going from college to pro days to rookie camp to OTAs I never stopped. It’s weird now taking a month off. That’s the biggest difference for me right now – just focusing on resting. TO be honest it’s difficult – I’m getting antsy.
Did the coaches talk to you about working on anything specific for next season?
Yeah – they told me that they didn’t get to see my with pads on last year so they want to see me in pads, making tackles. They want to see if I’m able to tackle well. Last year I had one day in pads – the rest was basically seven on sevens. When I got back to practice, it was just shorts and helmets.
You were on IR for much of last season – what happened and how are you now?
I got mono last year so that’s why I was out yeah. But I’m much better now – I’m 110% ready to go!
What defensive back positions are you expecting to compete for now – is safety in the mix at all? And how do you prepare for those spots?
As of now just corner and nickel. That’s what I’m working on right now – they haven’t talked to me about safety at all.
It really helped working with the older guys last year – Hilton and Sutton – to see how they prepared for games – especially at the nickel position. In meetings I’d watch them and have based what I’m working on now on that. I’ve gotten better in man coverage.
And tackling – showing that I can fill the hole as a nickel corner is different- that I can tackle in the box. I think some misjudge me – they think I’m undersized so they think maybe I can’t tackle.
Hilton is an undersized corner too but can tackle well – you’re similar to him that way correct?
Exactly. Supposedly I’m too small to tackle in the box – that I’m really just an outside corner. But guys miscalculate and that helps me in games. I hit people hard that first time and shock people.
Have any of the veterans helped men tor you at all – show you the ropes a bit?
All of them have really. I don’t think they have any selfish guys here. I heard that on other teams the veterans would say things to get the younger guys to mess up and make them look bad, but none of the older guys here do that. They all want you to succeed.
Watching the other guys in the film room – how they prepare for games – that’s really helped me.
Tell me more about what they are showing you – what you’re seeing specifically that’s helped you.
It’s tendencies and formations – player personnel on the field. The feet and depth of offensive linemen and wide receivers. It’s little things you don’t notice when you are in college, but they showed me what the importance was of whether a lineman’s foot was on the line or whether a tight end blocks for two seconds or longer – how that impacts the route they run. It’s about schemes and things you don’t see in college. Just being around Joe (Haden) and picking his brain, it’s made a huge difference in my game.
How do you get reps and stand out in a crowded defensive backfield?
When my name is called I just have to be ready to go. Each time I have to make a play or just do my job – what I’m supposed to do without making mistakes. One mess-up and they aren’t going to trust you. I have to make sue they know they can rely on me.
What made you decide to sign with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent and what prompted their interest in you, do you think? ?
I think I came in as a special teams guy to be honest, when they signed me I think that was one big reason why. Danny Smith told me I had the most special teams tackles as a gunner of any other college player. So that was a big reason.
They popped up out of nowhere after the draft and I thought it was a good choice for me. I watched the Steelers-Ravens rivalry and liked the hard-nosed style of play. That’s the kind of play I wanted to be around.
What makes you a good special teams player?
I just go and get the job done. No excuses. No ifs ands or buts – you just go out and do it. Is there a reason not to make a play – no. No excuses. That’s my mentality.
Lastly – what should we know about you that has nothing to do with football?
I like fishing and hunting – I’m a country boy, really.
Ever go fishing with Steven Nelson?
I never had the chance no – but I’d love to!
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