First, were you surprised to be drafted by Pittsburgh? What did they say to you on the phone?
Well, Pittsburgh was one of the teams I visited during the draft process. It felt good being there – I really enjoyed the visit. When they took Kenny in the first round I had no idea what to think after that though. I was on standby, talking to my agent when I got the call from the Steelers.
When Coach Tomlin got on the phone I was speechless. It was a surreal moment. He asked how I was doing and I told him I was just waiting to see what happened next. He told me then he was going to make my day a lot better – that they were about to take me in the seventh round.
What did they tell you when you visited them pre-draft? What was that visit like for you?
Everyone in the building was honest and straightforward and relaxed, which was surprising. You would think it’s all business at that point – you forget the coaches and front office personnel are people too. I had a good feeling about them all and had good conversations with everyone I met. After I left I felt like Pittsburgh was a place I could really be happy.
When I was chilling in the quarterback room during the visit Tomlin popped in for 10 minutes. We got to hang out a bit before our formal meeting later. We just chatted – we are both from the same area in Tampa so we talked about that a bit. It was just nice getting to know him on a more personal level like that.
What are your offseason plans?
Moving forward, I’ll fly up to Pittsburgh next Thursday for rookie camp then workouts – and a lot of learning the playbook and getting to know my teammates.
Do you know any guys on the team/draft class?
Diontae Johnson and I work out in the same gym in Tampa and have a good relationship. Cam Sutton too. They both called and congratulated me. Having them there is a good feeling. Mason and Mitch also called and congratulated me and told me they’re looking forward to working together.
What did those guys tell you about the team?
Diontae and Cam told me that Pittsburgh is one of the best organizations in the NFL – that they are honest and transparent with you. That it’s a business but Coach Tomlin has your best interests in mind. It’s the type of place you want to play.
There’s been a lot of discussion of the fact you moved around a lot in college – but how has that helped you as a quarterback?
It’s helped a ton. Playing in Alabama, South Dakota and Tampa, those are three very different parts of the country. Forming relationships with so many different people and learning how to be a leader – building those relationships was important.
And obviously, working with four different offenses – I learned how to grasp offenses quickly and to adapt on the fly. I think that will help me in the NFL to learn the offense in Pittsburgh as well.
Looking at your game – what do you feel you do well and what do you think you can work on most?
When I talked to Coach Canada his big thing was for me to work on my footwork – I’ve been doing that this offseason. I had five different offensive coordinators – there wasn’t a lot of fluidity on that. I am working on making sure my feet are in synch with my upper body – getting more out of my back hip so I can get even more arm strength when I throw the ball.
Extending plays – I think I do that well, making plays outside of the pocket – that’s where the explosive plays come from.
While mobile, you’re not really a “rushing quarterback” per se as some have said- it seems more buying time for the passing game. Is that an accurate assessment from your perspective?
That’s definitely an accurate assessment. I had some coaches who wanted me to run more – there were times I’d run 15-to-20 times a game. But I never looked at myself as a running quarterback. I think I’m a dual threat guy once the pocket is broken. I’m looking to get the ball downfield. Running is my last option.
You’ve had the same quarterback coach since you were 10. How has he helped you over the years?
John Kaleo – he’s a legend – a University of Maryland guy. When I met him I was 10 years old – he told my dad to bring me to his quarterback camp. 14 years later he and I are super close. He’s been a big part of this journey – I couldn’t have done it without him. He ran my pro day script and has worked with me throughout these last two months leading into the draft.
He’s helped me to understand the business side of the NFL. That’s it’s a business and how it’ll work when I step into the NFL.
And he’s worked with me on board recognition since I was 10. He’s made me a student of the game. He would have me draw up Little League plays on the board for him and had me doing that throughout college to help me become a better student of the game.
With lots of new faces in the QB room including two new coaches and three new quarterbacks, how does that affect you and how do you prepare for that kind of change?
I think it’s great for me – we’re all new there except Mason so we’re all starting with a clean slate. I’m excited to meet Mitch and Mason and Kenny. I think we’ll all push each other and that will create opportunities for all of us.
If it comes down to your mobility helping you as a practice squad guy at first … something you have thought about at all?
It has crossed my mind, yes. My mobility and ability to extend the pocket – I think the more things you can do the more it helps. When we’re getting ready to play Lamar Jackson – being able to give our defense a good look to help them prepare – I think about that and will take that job very seriously.
Lastly, what should fans know about you that has nothing to do with football? What makes you “tick”.
My family is. My little brother plays corner at Bowling Green. He’s my little brother but I look up to him. He pushes me to be great.
To be able to share draft day with my friends and family was special to me.
As for me – I’m an easy-going guy. I love my teammates and am excited to meet my new teammates in Pittsburgh. And maybe I can start developing a decent golf game and go golfing with those guys. I’ve been working on that as well!
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