First, why did you sign with Pittsburgh?
The whole draft process I never really spoke with the Steelers. When I was released by Indianapolis the Steelers reached out to my agent and wanted to know about my weight – whether I was in shape – they wanted me to come in for a tryout.
The Steelers were my only NFL option at the time after Indianapolis – they got to me first.
What did you learn at the HBCU Scouting combine and in Indianapolis’ camp that helped you in camp?
Coming from a Division II school like Virginia State, it was pretty different. It was a great experience for me to go against D1 athletes and high competition. I was able to see different systems and schemes that the guys at a high level played in. That helped me transition to the NFL.
I was grateful to go to the All Star games and have that time with the Colts. It wasn’t so much the experience – I was still a rookie – but to get a taste of what to expect and how to prepare really helped.
How has camp gone from your perspective so far?
I think I’ve seen that I can be a good asset to the team. It’s a great running back room – I got to see where I can fit in. I think I bring a physicality to the team and am also explosive – I think those can be an asset to the running game.
Camp so far has gone well. I haven’t had much time here with then Steelers yet but I’m excited to show my skillset in training camp.
That acceleration could be a major factor/difference-maker… how do you think your DII playmaking ability translates to the NFL?
Obviously there are more faster guys in the NFL, but I think my acceleration is up there. I haven’t had the chance yet to experience much running in camp – you don’t do that much in mini-camp and OTAs. But I think my speed sets me apart and when training camp starts I can show the players and coaches that I am explosive. I hope that can be an eye-opener for them.
What have coaches and players said to you – what feedback have they given you?
Coach Faulkner liked how powerful I was in drills – in attacking the bags. He told me he can’t wait to see me in pads and in one-on-ones.
Anyone take you under their wing and help you so far?
Jaylen Warren has been in my ear at times. I’m more just mirroring what he does. He was an undrafted free agent that showed out last year – I want to model my actions after him. He gave me his number so I’ll reach out to him soon and get more advice from him.
It’s a crowded running back room – what do you think ultimately sets you apart?
I think pass blocking – I definitely want to to work on that and display in camp that I can be effective there.
And special teams? I know you have some good experience there in college?
Oh yeah – I can play anywhere on special teams. I love playing on special teams. Wherever they want me to play – I can return kicks and make tackles on kick and punt returns.
What makes you so passionate about teams?
It’s the game starter. Running down on kickoffs, getting that first taste of collision and sizing up your opponent for the first time. That riles me up. It’s like going to war – the start of the battle. I love special teams – just the matchups. It’s less about scheme and moe about one-on-one matchups. I love that contact and being more physical than the other guy.
Is it hard getting close to guys that you’re competing with in that running back room – and knowing that many won’t be there at the end of camp?
It’s really not. We’re all close and uplifting of each other. We all show each other love after a good play.
I got lost one day – Najee showed me where to go and helped me. We’re all on the right mindset – it’s a welcoming room – we all have a great bond.
Guys not making the team – that’s the life of the game. There are no hard feelings – we all show each other love. But the best man makes the team. There’s no animosity or weird vibes – we’re all working towards the same goal and we all want to see each other succeed.
Any funny/interesting experiences stand out most so far?
Oh yeah, one! In this running back drill – I just fell. I wasn’t used to the drill yet and I fell and broke one of the poles they use in the drill. Coach Faulkner pulled that up on film later in the running back meeting room and everybody laughed at it.
If Coach Faulkner told you that if you could improve in one area you’d make the team – what do you think that area is?
I’d say just slowing things down – not playing so rushed. Just being more smooth in my decision-making. I think that just comes with getting more comfortable.
Lots of coaching changes at VSU – how did that affect you?
We had different offensive coordinators every year I was there. I think that helped me to adapt to any kind of coaching. Going from Indianapolis to Pittsburgh, I had to take what I learned in Indianapolis and apply it to Pittsburgh. New scheme and new coaches with different styles of coaching – adapting to that. Going through those changes in college helped me with that.
Lastly, what should we know about you that has nothing to do with football?
I’m a big family guy and a big Call of Duty gamer and anime watcher. I like country music too.
Go to the Taylor Swift concert?
No I didn’t go – I can’t member who it was, but someone in camp was singing Taylor Swift a lot!