So first off, what made you decide to sign with the Steelers as a free agent?
The Steelers seemed like the best fit for me to have a chance to make the team. With Watt there I think I start off there and be part of the rotation – I think they still have some open spots at linebacker, and I can contribute on special teams as well.
Did you sense the team had any interest during the draft?
They and Miami both called my agent. I talked to my agent about which would be the better fit. The Steelers didn’t draft an outside linebacker – we felt Pittsburgh was the better fit in part because of that.
Wherever they put me – outside or inside linebacker – I’ll give my full effort. Everywhere except safety – I did that in high school and I’m done with that! But I’ll perform at a high level wherever they put me.
Know any guys on the team and in the draft class?
I know of them but don’t know any of them. I’m not good with messaging and faces – I told them all I’ll meet them when I get there.
As a former lineman, what will it take to transition to outside linebacker in the 3-4? What excites you about the prospect?
We ran some 3-4 last year – we ran both a 3-4 and 4-3. It just depended on who we played. Before that I was in a 4-3.
It took me a while as a lineman to learn how to play end. I played inside linebacker first – when you’re on the end you need to be better with your hands. On the inside you kind of go in face first. But on the outside you need better hand usage – you just have to get confident doing it.
Most of it too is just learning the playbook. One thing for sure – they don’t need to worry about coaching effort with me. I’ll give it my all and will use my time wisely to learn the playbook there.
How are you in coverage?
Well, I played safety in high school so played a lot in coverage then, but that’s the last time I was really asked to be in coverage. But the more I do it the better I’ll be. I’m working now with my secondary coach at Alabama – just focusing on using my hips better. Most of that is just through repetition.
What excites you most about the opportunity at outside linebacker?
I like playing outside linebacker – I like setting the edge and playing the run as well as the pass. You get to work the whole game at outside linebacker. It’s not just one thing. Three technique. Two technique. Even when you don’t make the tackle, setting the edge because you’re forcing the back inside – knowing you helped that play and the tackle getting made is something I like.
You overcame a lot to get here – including getting shot in high school. How has overcoming that experience affected you as player and person?
It was just more adversity in my life I was able to overcome. It added fuel to my fire. After that I stayed home and became more humble. I prayed and worked on getting more confident and stronger. It makes you humble – not everyone gets this opportunity. Like I’ve been told- it’s easier to get here than to stay here. I love the game so much and it was almost taken away from me then, and again when I missed a few games due to injury last year – that injury could have been much worse. It just makes you love the game even more.
Any area you are looking to improve upon most – how do you look to do so?
I need to get better with any hand usage. I have to keep my hands up more – I watch guys who are really good at using their hands.
In high school and college they talk about keeping your hands up and using them to stop offensive linemen from getting their hands on you and into your chest. I just have to work on hitting them before they hit me. Keeping my hands moving. Linemen in the NFL – they are much better at using their hands so I have to be as well.
Before too I was just really doing my thing. I’m learning to adjust more to what the linemen across from me is doing. If they step too far outside, to jump inside. If they are too high, to bullrush. Just adjusting my plan to what I see them doing more.
Lastly, what should fans know about you that has nothing to do with football?
I love grilling and hanging with my family and friends. We’re throwing a Black and Yellow party this weekend – have to support Steelers Nation now! I’m grilling chicken, sausages, ribs, burgers…
I just like keeping things simple and hanging out with people who want to be around me.
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
