First, has it sunk in yet, bring drafted by Pittsburgh?

Oh yeah. I’m excited now – this is the dream for everyone wanting to play in the NFL. I’m ready for it.

Were you surprised Pittsburgh drafted you – did they show a lot of interest in you beforehand?

I didn’t now. You sit and wait is the thing – you wait for your name to be called. Nobody knows when they’ll get picked. It’s all about what you do when you get there and the opportunity to get a spot on the roster.

Did you have any conversations with the team prior to the draft?

I met with them several times – at the combine, pro day, and Senior Bowl. We had some great conversations – I appreciate the chance they are giving me.

And you just signed your contract – how does that feel?

When I met with all of the teams, they asked me how I planned to handle all of that money. What I planned to spend it on. They want to be sure they are able to trust you – they are counting on you and giving you a lot of money. That’s the main question for them. They want to make a connection with you,

Have you looked at the roster yet to see what your best opportunities are to make the roster?

Not yet – I haven’t looked at it yet. It really doesn’t matter to me anyway, It’s just a rep chart. I’m ready to go in and compete no matter what.

How does it feel to play again for Coach Dunbar – what has he meant to you?

Coach Dunbar is a great coach. He knows the ins and outs and the techniques to succeed. He got me started on this train – he coached me my first year in Alabama. He knows the game – the mental aspect – how the game is played.

He developed me on and off the field. He made sure you were a good man as well as a good player. That’s what makes him a great coach.

Any mentors while at Alabama – anyone help shape your game?

At Alabama there was no one I modeled my game after or who pushed us. Nobody made us play – we all wanted to win. So no sir – no mentors.

What do think you need to work on most – and what have they said to you about your role there?

Overall – I just need to work on everything and try to be better at every aspect of my game.

I can play all across the line – nose tackle, defensive tackle – they want me to be versatile and that’s a strength of mine. I’m unique in that way – I can play anywhere on the line.

Special teams will be a big part of making the team as well. What’s your mindset on playing on special teams?

I haven’t played on special teams. As a starter you don’t have to play on special teams – they don’t want you to. But I’m excited to do it. I’m just excited to play anywhere in general.

Lastly – anything about you off the field fans should know about?

I think I’m just a good person – I’ve never been in trouble with the police or anything like that. Outside of football, I just like relaxing and listening to music.

Really now, I’m just ready to get to work. It’s all about football now.

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