First off, why decide to re-sign with the Steelers – who talked to you and what did they say?
There wasn’t much discussion about coming back – they wanted me – to keep me around. I was there since October. They showed interest in me and my motto is to go where you are wanted.
Why did you sign with them initially?
The GM at the time talked to my agent – they just told him they liked me and signed me to the practice squad before week one.
Did you know anyone on the team when you first signed?
I knew Joey Fisher – he was with the 49ers when I got there. So I knew him, but I didn’t know anyone else. I’m cool with anybody though – I just roll and do my own thing anyway, but they are all great guys and I’ve had fun with them in the locker room.
What did they tell you about what they are looking for most from you? Fullback? Linebacker? Running Back? Return Man? Quarterback? You’ve done it all in college!
Coach Tomlin said he usually likes to keep a fullback on the roster. He said that “In all honesty, I feel like because you can play offense and know defenses and can tackle -that I could help the team.” Especially on special teams because of that component of being able to tackle, having played linebacker in college.
You’ve been an incredibly versatile player over the years – in college , you played quarterback, linebacker, fullback and returned kicks – ultimately winning the Paul Hornung Award. How has that versatility helped you – has it gotten in the way of your development as a player?
It’s a good question. It can get in the way, but I’ve been fortunate to have been able to absorb information pretty quickly. It can affect you on the mental level trying to learn so many things – that can become an obstacle but that hasn’t impeded me too much. You just need to be willing to spend more time to learn everything since you’re learning and doing more. But I’m willing to do that. I can see how that could be an issue for some though.
On the positive side, if the team sees that you can do this, and do that, there’s only 53 active spots on a team. So if you can fill in lots of gaps that adds opportunity and security for you.
What are your strengths and where and you improve most as a player – did the coaches talk to you about any of it?
I think the thing is, the more you can do, the less effective you could be in everything you do.
Like a Jack of All Trades, Master of None concept?
Yeah – exactly. It’s a double-edged sword if you’re not careful. I just have to spend extra time to get extra coaching points and work harder. I spent time in both the running back room and tight end room last season. If a running back goes down, you never know if they need me to come in. That adds value for me, but I have to work harder to learn it all and to get the fundamentals down.
Any preferences on role?
Whatever gets me on the damn field! I get asked that a lot and I am not wavering on that answer!
What did the coaches say to you about next season?
Coach Tomlin told me that he wasn’t familiar enough with my game but he could see in practices that I am willing to do whatever it takes. He said he was excited to see what I am capable of.
Talk to any Oregon State alums who played for the Steelers – Markus Wheaton or Keenan Lewis – guys like that? Or anyone else to help get some NFL mentoring?
I never did. It’s funny – I’m the first person in my family to make it to the NFL and where I grew up, not many people made it out. So I’ve had to navigate it myself. But in all honesty, the same values that apply to any workplace apply to the NFL. Show up early, work hard and do your job and don’t be a problem. Those are values I’ve had all of my life.
And I’ve started fresh a lot of times over my life, so it’s not new. I went from JUCO college to Oregon State, and I did that as a quarterback before I changed positions there. So I’ve had to re-establish myself a lot over my life.
They just hired Arthur Smith as the new offensive coordinator – any thoughts on that as a fullback?
The fact that he’s a run-first offensive coordinator certainly plays to my favor. I hope he tried to establish the fullback role. But I don’t have extensive knowledge about him to talk and elaborate on him. I do know having a run-focused offensive coordinator would seem to fit my style.
Any fun stories of your time there so far? Any good practice matchups?
I’m just enjoying being able to give a look to the defense – that’s been great. I have made a few nice catches in practice but I don’t have any crazy stories. I’m such a day-to-day guy – I don’t think about that stuff.
Oh rumor has it the Steelers may have some interest in cornerback Rejzohn Wright – any thoughts on your former Oregon State teammate?
That’s great – he’s definitely got an NFL body for a cornerback. He covers well – I think he’d be a great pickup. He’s got a lot of good skillsets.
Lastly, what should we know about you that has nothing to do with football? What makes you tick beyond the game?
I love doing stuff outside with my dad. He does some construction work – he’s a guy that just can’t sit still so I like working with him in his free time. I also took up golf about a year-and-a-half ago and love food and to cook.
I just spoke with Steelers running back Aaron Shampklin who wants to be a chef, he said. Maybe you two should talk cooking!
Yeah – I’m not a foodie – I can’t just whip stuff together like he probably can, but I like to cook and I can make some good dishes. I’ll have to talk to him!
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
