Congratulations on signing with the Steelers – did you know they had interest in you beforehand?
I knew that they had interest last fall. A bunch of scouts came and saw me and Sam Pitz and showed interest in me – the Steelers were the main ones. During the draft my agent Joe Linta called and told me the Steelers were super-interested and I should expect a call. I didn’t know if that meant as a draft pick or undrafted free agent. After the last pick of the draft by the Patriots, I kid you not, 20 seconds later the Steelers called.
I signed with them – I was super-excited – I’m stoked and honored to be a part of such an historic franchise with such great coaches.
There are no other players from Minnesota-Duluth (UMD) currently in the NFL now besides you and Sam (signed with the Ravens). None have ever been on a Steelers roster before. What does that mean to you?
I didn’t think of that when I made the decision to sign with them – it was more about the opportunity and whether I should take it. The most current UMD guy in the NFL was Brent Lainge who played for the Chargers. Me and Sam are super-excited to represent UMD – and that puts another chip on my shoulder.
How would you describe your playing style?
I block through the whistle, play tough and with a high motor. I play physical. I don’t like getting beat so I never get beat. I know that sounds like a cocky mindset and obviously I do get beat once in a while, but that’s the mindset I think you have to have.
Do you know anyone there – is there anyone in Pittsburgh you are excited to work with and be mentored by?
I don’t know anyone there no – it’ll all be fresh when I get there.
Coming from a division II school, are there things you don’t see at that level that you’ll see in the NFL and how do you prepare for that?
I’d say that’s usually the case – but the offense we ran, we did everything. It sounds like there’s no way that’s the case, I know, but we ran every scheme – outside zone, inside zone, power, GT Counter….I tell you we ran almost everything. From a scheme standpoint I think it’s a good fit – outside and inside zone runs are my favorite run plays and I’m good at those.
Overall, from a defensive standpoint, as a division II school we don’t see as much variety. NFL base downs use base defenses – those are common everywhere. But situational football, there you see different schemes and personnel and we don’t see all of those defenses. But I can say at the Shrine Bowl I learned a lot there.
Where can you improve most as a player, do you think?
Excelling more in my hand placement and in pass pro, my footwork. I just need to show them I belong.
You played tackle mostly but some guard as well in college – where do you see yourself lining up in Pittsburgh?
I can play everywhere – I can play all five spots. I expect to play inside – guard and center – but I can play tackle if they need me there too. I played mostly tackle at UMD.
It’s easier to transition to guard and center – I did that at the Shrine Bowl. You have guys on either side of you so you have someone to help with blocking. At tackle it’s just one guy next to you. When you’re at guard or tackle the fight happens right away, instead of having to step out and wait for the other guy to make a move.
What was the most exciting or poignant moment at UMD for you?
Besides yesterday signing with the Steelers, I’d say beating our rival, Mankato, and scoring a touchdown versus Southwest Minnesota State.
You also played some tight end as well – how did that help you as a lineman?
It helped me with my athleticism. The most challenging thing was putting on weight – eating the right food. But it helped me to be a versatile athlete and moving in space.
Lastly, what should we know about you that has nothing to do with football?
I love salmon fishing. I’m from Alaska. I also love snow machining. In the lower 48 they call them snowmobiles, but in Alaska we call them snow machines.
Coming from Alaska, are you happy you went to a state that isn’t a hot-weather climate?
I’d rather play in 10-degree, snow and sleet weather than 80 degrees and sunny. I was born and raised in Alaska – hot weather is not my thing. I don’t like playing on hot weather – I’m not going to like it but I’ll play!
How did your family end up in Alaska?
My grandparents on my mom’s side moved there a long time ago for work – they were from Minnesota originally. My dad was in the military and they have a big military base in Alaska. That’s where they met, fell and love and had me and my two brothers!