First – how are you preparing for start of season amidst this craziness?
Really, I’m just working out on my own and trying to stay in shape. I spoke to a few of the Steelers defensive linemen, just asking for some advice on how to get ready.
Who did you speak to?
I can’t really tell you! But they gave me advice on how to get in shape and on how important it was to be in good shape heading into camp.
Were you surprised to be drafted by Pittsburgh – what did they tell you?
Well, I had a FaceTime interview with Kevin Colbert, Coach Tomlin and one of the scouts and I really liked them coming out of that. I liked the relationship there – so when I got the call I was ecstatic. To go to such a great organization – I’m just thankful they’re taking a chance on a kid from Blue Springs, Missouri.
Where do you expect they’ll have you play on the line- nose? Any preferences?
Anywhere in the middle, really. I’m not sure if they’ll want me at the three or the nose, but I assume it’ll be one of those. I don’t have any preferences – my last three years I played both – the nose my first year and the three after that. So I know both and the systems are similar which helps.
And special teams – as you likely know, you make the team on special teams?
I used to play on special teams early in college when I was the second or third at my position. On kick returns I played the shield for the returns guys. Having people run at you at full speed – well, I have a big body, so I liked that! I’m down for that if I get to do that for Pittsburgh.
You also excelled at track and field – discus specifically. How did that help you at football?
It was really huge in helping me with my mindset. You have to be quick and move through the ring and have good feet. You have to hit every position correctly, so that helped me to stay nimble on my feet.
With the mindset – you only have 30 seconds in the ring to get a good throw in. So it’s extremely helpful in understanding how to prepare and to get in and out of things quickly.
What are your biggest strengths and the things you need to work on most at the NFL level?
Using my hands and taking on blocks better. I’m looking forward to learning from Coach Dunbar and also having him help me on my pass rush as well.
I’m also looking forward to working with Bud Dupree – he worked with Chuck Smith and I did as well. And with TJ – I had the chance to watch him play when we played Wisconsin as well. And of course, working with Tuitt and Heyward will be great.
Were you aware of the team’s need for more help at nosetackle with Hargrave having left in free agency?
Not really – so that’s good news for me. But I have to work hard and earn the spot. I look forward to it and would love to play nosetackle. I love being in the middle of the defense and holding up the spot. When guys go up the middle, that’s a personal thing to me.
You have a twin brother who was also drafted and played a similar position. How has that helped you?
We have been really competitive with one another and helped each other our too. Playing the same position as me, we were able to help each other out and talk through the position and what we need to do to get better.
What should know about you that’s not football related?
I’m a big family guy and love the outdoors – I love to fish in my free time. I’m a friendly guy – energetic – so if you see me come say hi! But I don’t go out a great deal .
Have you ever been to Pittsburgh?
I have not no. I’m looking forward to being in a new city and learning a new culture.
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