How staying ready amidst all this craziness?
Well, right now I’ve just been trying to stay in shape – working out at home – running and lifting and working on football stuff. I have some equipment at home. I’m just trying to stay n shape and will keep training to stay in shape and be ready for whenever we can get started.
Any idea on what the virtual workouts can do for you?
I think they’ll help a lot – and getting the playbook in my hands too. I just want to do everything I can to get ready for the season and make the 53.
Why did you decide to sign wth Steelers?
It was a great place to be – with a great coaching staff. I got the chance to meet them at the combine and they were great people. It’s a great organization and it just felt like the right place for me to flourish. I know my ability – I just needed a place to offer me an opportunity and Pittsburgh is a great place to do that,
Were you surprised at going undrafted – I know you had a tougher combine – what do you think happened there?
I had a fourth-through-sixth round grade but I learned after the draft there was an issue that came up. I don’t want to get into what that was but I have an opportunity to be an NFL player now. After the draft I told myself that it didn’t matter where I got drafted – the door is open for me now and it’s up to me to take advantage of this opportunity.
Did other teams express interest as well in signing you?
Pittsburgh was the best spot for me – but a couple of other teams did want to sign me too. Chicago, San Francisco, Detroit all did.
Did you talk with the staff yet about your role or expectations?
Right now they’re just getting it all sorted out. I’m sure I’ll get more introductions soon. As an undrafted guy, I just need to learn the plays and get and stay in shape and get strong enough in my technique and physically so I can be the greatest player I can possibly be, and that’s up to me.
Anything specific you need to work on most?
I just need to work on everything, I think I do everything well, but I need to be more consistent. Great play is about consistency, not flashing here and there.I know what I can be and what I can do – I just need to be more consistent and show them that,
Does the scheme you played in in college match up to what the Steelers play in now?
I played in just about every scheme in college. I can play all three positions on the inside. I’m ready to play nose if they need – I’ll play any position they need me to play.
As the captain of your team in college, how does that shape how you approach your game at the NFL level?
I think I am able to demand the most of my teammates – I tried to do that in college – I wish we were able to win more games. Pittsburgh is focused on winning – on winning championships and that’s how I am as well. I hope I’m one of those pieces that helps us do that.
Ever been to Pittsburgh?
I have some family in Philly but I’ve never been to Pittsburgh,
What makes you tick outside of the NFL?
I like to relax when I can and play 2K – I’m on Playstation a lot. I like time to myself and unwinding – and spending time with family and friends. Right now my focus really is on becoming the best player I can be. I’m just grateful to the Steelers staff for the opportunity – for bringing me in. I want to show that they were right for bringing me – their reason for bringing me in was proven to be a good one.
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