First, what made you decide to choose the Steelers as a team to sign with after the XFL experience – you had some choices?
I just feel like my XFL experience and previous NFL experience helped me show teams that I have what it takes to make it in the NFL. I think they can see what they have in me and know I can help.
As for Pittsburgh, they have a great defensive line coach and great front – and a great tradition. I was excited to sign with them,
I know another former Maryland guy in Derwin Gray is there – did you speak with him yet and get some of the ins and outs of the team?
I spoke to him yesterday yeah. We were both excited about me coming to Pittsburgh, It’s like high school all over again – we played together since high school. It’s like a reunion!
We didn’t yet about the team but I’m sure we will soon – we just talked about how excited we were.
Did the coaches talk to you yet about where they’d like you to play on the line?
I can really play any spot on the front line – I can play everything. I have the speed and the skillset. Some people had my weight at 285 or so but I really play at 292 to 295 pounds – my weight fluctuates around there. I’m bigger than people think I am. I think I can dominate at any position on the line.
I have the speed and strength and think I can bring a different level to the pass rush with my bull rush. But I still have some wiggle as well since I played linebacker in college too – I still have some speed and that helps with my pass rush too.
Any preference though?
I like the three-tech with my hand down. In college as you may know I had a different coach every year – sometimes we went with a 4-3, sometimes with the 3-4. So I learned all of the fronts. But I like the three-tech the best where I can rush the passer. In the 3-4, I would love to play end but I know I can play nosetackle as well.
Speaking of coaches – anyone give you the scoop yet on Coach Mitchell and how he works with players? He can be tough on new guys!
No sir – but I have had some of the craziest coaches before so I know all about what it takes to take on all types of coaching. I don’t break and will show him that. I know what I want and when you know that and have a passion for it like I do, nothing else matters.
You had a terrific start in the XFL, leading the league in sacks, What happened there that enabled such a strong start for you?
I think it was just having time on the field as a starter. As a defensive lineman, it takes time to get a feel for the game. I got time on the field in the XFL and it gave me the chance to show what I could do. I was just blessed with the opportunity to do it.
With such a deep defensive line, special teams will a key to making this Steelers team. What’s your experience there?
I have experience blocking for field goals in the XFL. In college I played linebacker my first two years, so I started on special teams and played a lot then. As a defensive linemen they didn’t have you play on special teams so much but I have the experience. I just need the chance to play!
As we mentioned, it is a deep line with a lot of terrific, veteran players. What do you most hope to learn from those guys as a defensive lineman?
I just want to continue to learn how to be a pro – for them to teach me the right way to do things – the way they do things.
Anything in particular though?
How to take care of my body – the proper way to do that so I can have longevity in the league. I want to take care of my body the right way so I don’t get injured and stay in good shape.
What should we know about you off the field – what makes you go besides football?
I’m a real family-oriented guy. My family and friends don’t see me as a football player – they see me more like a little brother or friend. I like to be myself around those people I care about.
And I like to dance – I can’t dance well but I like to try. I can be a goofball!
Lastly – it was pointed out that your Wikipedia page is pretty bare. What should we put on your page?
Ha! That I’m America’s football player! I love to dance, eat and play football!
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
