First off, what’s the offseason plan for you?
I’ve been back here with my family in Ohio, spending my time lifting in a gym I used when I was off and on with the Cardinals last year. But I’ve been bored a lot of the time – I’m not handling the down-time well!
We did get out schedule and I’ll be heading to Pittsburgh April 15th.
What made you decide to sign with the Steelers?
You know, last year was my rookie year and I was with the Cardinals. I was off and on a bunch with the team there. When my agent called and said there was an opportunity to play for the Steelers, I said “Let’s do it!”
Sheldon White is a scout now with the Steelers, and he was the one who recruited me and my brother at Michigan State. So I’m excited to be back with him.
Have you spoken to Connor Heyward and Josiah Scott at all as former Spartan teammates? What did they tell you? Know anyone else on the team?
I met a couple of guys when I did my medical there. I haven’t talked to Connor in a while – I did see him there when I did a workout last season for the Steelers and chatted with him some then. He and I were friends at Michigan State.
What did you learn in your first season with Arizona- how did that help you prepare for this season?
The biggest thing was, at Michigan State, we ran a 4-3 and it was an attack-style defense. In Arizona we ran a zero-tech so I had to learn how to react and adjust – you’re closer to what’s happening but don’t have the momentum as a lineman that you get in an attack-style defense.
I got the hang of it there after a while and really improved my game after learning both styles of play.
Anyone help you most in Arizona?
Leki Fotu was a big help in Arizona – he helped mentor me. And our defensive line coach, Derrick LeBlanc. We just did a lot of drills and took things slow. I got help from those two.
What do you see as your strengths as a player?
I’ve historically been good against the run. I learned in Arizona how to handle play action. In an attacking defense you go right to the pass rush. In the zero technique though you move laterally first, so it’s tougher to convert to the pass rush then.
What areas do you want to work on most?
It’s interesting – I learned a lot even in Arizona watching Keeanu Benton play in Pittsburgh. He plays with a lot of finesse as well as power. I watched and learned from him. He had the same adjustment as I had coming into the NFL. He played the same style as I did. I hope to improve my game like he did.
And in terms of improving – the pass rush. I want to improve in that area- that’s where the money’s at!
What should we know about you that had nothing to do with football?
The whole offseason I’ve been trying to figure out what else to do with my time! For me it’s just been the weight room and family. Lifting especially has been my go-to.
You grew up in Ohio – were you Browns fans? Steelers fans? Ever been to Pittsburgh before the workouts with the Steelers?
It’s funny – my dad had us all grow up as Dallas Cowboys fans – I don’t know why!
I had never been to Pittsburgh before either, no. I’m hoping Connor and Josiah will show me around a bit. I’ve just been there for the visits.
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