First off, what are your plans for the offseason?
All I’m doing now really is working out in the mornings and hitting the field some days. I’m not doing too much else though. I’m just waiting to report back to Pittsburgh. I’m just vibing at the house. I do have one trip planned in July – to Jamaica for my pop’s birthday.
What made you decide to sign/return to the Steelers and what did the coaches tell you about next season and what they are hoping from you?
When I first signed there last year, they said when I was cut that I did nothing wrong – it was just a roster issue. They needed players at other spots because of injuries. They told me then though to be ready for a call. When I was cut I left and played for New York for the rest of the season. They called me back just like they said they would. I went back and signed.
They told me then that they want me to work on special teams. To learn the gunner spot. I’m known for my speed so that was a main focus for them.
You were with the team last year – what did you learn from that time with the team and who helped you most when you were there?
I learned then that they expect you to do everything at 100% effort. Tomlin – when we were in meetings, he would tell everyone they couldn’t be soft. I learned from the special teams coach too how they run their meetings. They were a little different in Pittsburgh. The coaches were more available there – it was more open-door. They were always available if you needed something.
You mentioned your speed earlier – you were an exceptional track and field athlete in high school and bring tremendous speed (4.23 40) – why did you choose football over track?
It sucks for some people when I say this! I didn’t like track and field. My daddy did it in the junior league in high school and broke the record for fastest time – 10.2. I just wanted to break his record. It lasted for 30 years.
I was the last one on my family to have a chance – I was the youngest kid. My brothers tried but didn’t do it. I got faster and more explosive the older I got and broke his record my Junior year. When it happened I was told my dad cried but I didn’t see him until afterwards.
But, I never really loved track. Football was always my favorite sport for as long as I can remember. I started playing when I was five years old.
How has that speed affected your game and role now- and do you sometimes finding yourself actually needing to slow it down?
That’s kind of what I have been working on this offseason. Controlling my speed. I am learning that I don’t have to run full speed all of the time. I used to go too fast sometimes and get out of position. So I’ve been working a lot on stopping and accelerating to prepare for next season.
You traveled between a number of teams the past two years – how do you manage that psychologically to remain positive and manage that stress?
It is stressful – as soon as you start feeling comfortable and things start feeling like home, something happens – another roster move. It’s stressful but I’ve been through it before – so I know I can do it. But every time you’re cut, you never know if another team will come get you. And each time, it’s a whole new playbook to learn.
This is what I signed up for though. And coming back to Pittsburgh helps since I’ve been here before. Even though it was just a couple of months, it helps all of that. I just hope I can remember everything I learned quickly. Being there from day one this time instead of coming in during the season will help a lot.
What was it like moving from rival Cleveland back and forth with the Steelers?
They are two disciplined teams. It’ll be good to play in one of those games. I was actually in Pittsburgh the week of the Cleveland game before I left. I remember Tomlin in the meetings telling us that “We didn’t like them and they didn’t like us, but we’ll play our game.” He had a target for us – that he didn’t want to allow their running back to get 100 yards. That was the statement – the key to winning.
Any fun memories of that time in Pittsburgh?
I was still just learning the names and making my way around the locker room really. I was under the coaches mostly, though I played with Pat Pete and Chandon Sullivan in Minnesota. They told me to just come in and do what I do. That everything was smoother there and I’d like it a lot there.
You’re still somewhat new to the corner position having moved from receiver late in college? What’s the biggest learning curve you feel you have right now?
Using my hands more – to be more aggressive at the line. I’m long – I have long arms – I need to use them more and be better at it. I’ve been working out – doing reps with bands,. Doing chest presses on air using the bands to get more power behind my punch and get used to the shock of the impact, so it shocks the receiver more than me.
Where are your strengths? What do you feel you do best?
I’d say locating the ball. It’s easier as a former receiver. Also – the mannerisms – I can see a wide receiver’s route. If they stem in for example – and know what he’ll do. I can eliminate routes based on their mannerisms so I can know what they are trying to do.
Lastly, what makes you tick outside of football?
Playing games. I don’t go out anywhere – I’m a homebody. I only go out on special occasions.. I usually am at home playing Madden 2K or Call of Duty.
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