First, what’s the offseason plan – what are you looking to work on for next season?

The little things really. Focusing on my body – core stability and getting stronger i my upper body – and improving my speed. I know what to expect now snd just want to be in top shape and feeling good for the OTAs.

What did the coaches tell you in your exit interview?

They told me a lot of positive things mostly and what to work on. A lot of positive versus negative. I had a good season I thought, but I can improve. Coach Tomlin told me he liked my vision as a runner and my ability to get out of the backfield and make people miss.

They liked what I could do in college and i think I surprised them on how much I showed that in my first year. Tonlin was happy with my vision as a running back and wants me to excel as a true running back.

Stepping back, were you surprised they drafted you, knowing at the time Conner and Bell and Ridley were there?

I was definitely surprised – I never talked to them before the draft. I never talked to them at the combine except on my way to the Buccaneers interview room. The Steelers’ room was right next to theirs and on my way in Tomlin said “Hey – I see you Jaylen Samuels – we’ll have to catch up with you down the road!”

He didn’t lie! Little did you know how far down the road he meant, yes?

Ha – yeah!

When you got there, did anyone help mentor you – take you under their wing?

If anyone, it was James Conner. He was kind of the first person I connected with. Throughout the season, Pouncey, Ramon and the rest of the offensive line took me under their wing. Ben, AB – they all gave me positive energy. I just tried to make plays and do my part for the team.

Did they talk at the end of the season above running the ball more next year and improving the run-pass ratio of the offense?

I think we ran the ball well and will try to get back on track running the ball more. We rolled with Randy Fichtner’s gameplan and go with that. But we never talked about them running more next season.

Any thoughts on how to increase your role -getting more reps and continuing to move beyond the third-down back stigma some had?

I don’t feel any pressure to do that. Whatever they give me I’ll take and if they want me to be a third-down back then I’ll excel for them that way. If tat’s what it takes I can do that. We all have a role on the team to help us win.

I just look forward to competing every Sunday and winning more games. It’ll be my second year in the NFL – another year blessed. I’m looking forward to it – new faces and new opponents. I’m ready for it to start.

And as a veteran now you’ll be in a position to start mentoring younger guys now too. Looking forward to that?

Yeah, I am. I’m looking forward to helping anyone – young or old. We all have one goal – to win championships.

A lot of talk lately on Ben and AB and Ben’s role as a leader. Any experiences or thoughts you can share in that regard?

Well, he helped me on the field. Helped me with routes and plays, that sort of stuff. Off the field it’s my job to watch film and prepare myself to play the best that i can. He has his own part. But he’s a great leader – on and off the field.

Any thoughts on the new running back coach Eddie Faulkner? What do you think he brings to you and the team?

He coached me art North Carolina State and recruited me out of high school. We have a good relationship. I think he can help make the room better. He’s a good guy. He knows what he’s doing – he mentored a lot of players.

He’s a really good guy. And a younger guy – he played and coached running backs and tight ends. I think he knows what he’s doing and can help guys on a lot of different things because of that. Blocking, catching, and running the ball. He knows all of those dynamics – that’s what he brings.

Lastly, any fun memories stand out to you most from last season?

The talent show was fun – we all dressed up and acted like the coaches

The best memory is probably after I scored my first NFL touchdown. When I came to the sidelines Ben told me he was proud of me – that I found a way to make it into the endzone and that it would be the first of many. That first touchdown was a special moment.

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