First, what’s offseason plan – did the coaches tell you to work on or do anything specific?
It’s really just to stay in shape and stay ready. That’s been my motto the whole time – to stay ready and be ready to prove myself when it’s time.
When Coach Tomlin called and talked to me we didn’t about anything specific – he just sounded excited to get to work.
Why did you decide to sign with Pittsburgh?
A lot went into the decision. I had an idea I would go undrafted with the hip injury history.
I did some digging on the teams – I looked at their rosters and used the same approach in picking a spot in the pros that I did when I looked at colleges. I looked at rosters and schemes. I saw Pittsburgh only had five cornerbacks on their roster. I know they drafted a safety and signed me and one other free agent cornerback. So I felt this was the best opportunity for me.
Was there any pre-draft interest you sensed from the team?
I did have some conversations with the staff pre-draft – I felt there was some interest.
What do you feel you bring to the team – what are your strengths as a corner?
I’m a shut down cornerback. That’s my biggest strength – I can play man and zone. I think I can do it all – I’m well-rounded in every aspect. I can always improve I know. But I can run with receivers and have a great knack for sticking with wide receivers. I also have good instincts for zone coverage. I think I’m on point there.
I also think my football IQ increased while I was injured. I’m very different from the project player I was two years ago.
What are the things you think you need to work on most/learn?
I don’t think there are things in specific. There are always things to improve. I know the coaches will say I need to get the playbook down! That’s the way you can play faster.
How about special teams play – any good experience there?
At Duke I was the gunner and the anti-gunner for punt returns. I know the Steelers use defensive backs a lot at gunner. I think my speed will help me there. That’s something I can add to what I can do for the team.
I know the hip injury kept you out for much of the last two seasons. How do you think dealing with the injury and ultimately overcoming it helped you in the long run?
I feel like it helped my mental stamina and my football IQ. Tearing through film and helping my teammates – that helped me as a player. Being an extra coach on the sidelines on gamedays – that helps you in ways that don’t have anything to do with talent.
How did the Duke coaches help you during the injury recovery?
The coaches just made sure my spirits stayed up. It can be an emotional rollercoaster but I had a lot of support there.
Many fans may not know that your uncle is Sean Gilbert and cousin is Darrelle Revis – two great NFL players with Pittsburgh connections. How have they helped you as a college player and in your transition to the NFL?
They have both been there and done that. They gave me tips and advice and I soaked it all up like a sponge. I trusted it all.
The biggest advice was from Darrelle who told me to just be myself. Many time guys who would bring my name up brought up Darrelle’s with it. He told me not to let that cloud what I have going on. To be myself and play my game.
I imagine Sean didn’t have many coverage tips for you!
Ha no! He helped me with some tackling tips though.
Do you know anyone on the team – have you had contact with guys yet?
Not so far. I know LaMont Wade – we trained together before the draft. But that’s it.
Lastly – what non-football things should we know about you – what motivates you besides football?
I’m a big family guy. The most important thing to me is family. We had lots of family over last week – many that I haven’t seen in a long time. That was a celebration having so many family members together under one roof.
I love music and movies. Basketball is a big part of my life too. I played basketball in high school but found I had to work harder at it than I did football. From an attitude standpoint football was better.
My love for football grew in high school. That’s when I knew it was what I wanted to do most.
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