First, why choose Pittsburgh as your free agent destination?
I felt like it was the best situation for me at that moment. My agent and I were talking about it and they gave me the best signing bonus and, looking at the running back room, there was some good competition there.
After Najee there seems to be a real competition at running back, like you said. Do you look at the roster a lot still? Do you pay attention to that?
It’s more a “what happens happens” kind of thing. I’m just going to go there and put my best foot forward and do what the coaches want me to do. It’s a good room to learn from.
You had some time in camp – how did that go – what stood out to you from last week’s experience and did you get any specific feedback from the coaches?
It was a fun experience. It was cool to put on a Steelers jersey – it was a surreal moment. I was taking that in for a while after it happened.
My biggest takeaway was that they liked the way I practiced. Getting on the big board with the head coach was a big deal. Coach Tomlin used me as an example with the team in meetings which was very cool.
What about?
He used me as an example of being consistent and finishing plays. I had a run that went 70 yards and I finished through the end zone instead of stopping after 20 yards. Him singling that out was a cool moment.
Did they give you any feedback on things to work on?
A little bit. They emphasized that they liked the way I practiced and wanted to see me add to my game by opening my eyes more to what I should look for and expect when I see certain fronts, things like that. Playbook stuff.
How does the offense fit your play style?
I like it a lot. There is so much you can do with the offense. So many plays you can run. I think I can fit into any structure – I have no problem with how I fit in the offense. And there are so many different options with this offense.
How good are you as a receiver – I know you didn’t have as many chances to show that off in college?
It’s funny because the third day of camp Coach Tomlin came up to me and told me he was surprised at my route-running skills. That made me feel good to hear for sure!
I didn’t drop any passes yet in camp – not to jinx that!
Any special teams experience?
I don’t have any no.
Yet…
Ha yeah. It’ll be new to me, but the special teams coordinator told me that the first preseason game I’ll be staring on punt coverage. That was cool to hear that. It was good to know what the deal is so far. Obviously anyone can get cut at any time, but I hope that helps keep me at the facility!
You seem to embrace the underdog role – you transferred as a Junior and now as an undrafted free agent. How does that motivate you and why?
It all started in junior college and carried over like a habit. I always worked for what came my way – nothing was ever given to me. I think even if I was a first round pick I would have that mindset. That dog in you people talk about – I have that in me. In just love the game and the competition. It makes it fun for me.
I noticed you in interviews always praising and supporting your offensive line and teammates – where does that come from – who helped instill that in you?
It all starts there – those are the real moneymakers. You’re only as good as your offensive line. Those are the guys carrying the load for you – they deserve more credit then they get.
As for me – I just don’t like giving myself credit. It’s a team game and I’m not a me-me guy. I just like winning. I’ve never been a person who wants the spotlight.
What about the offense excites you most?
I think the play calling and the talent I’ve seen when we practiced. Obviously all NFL teams have a lot of talent. But we started building a brotherhood during OTAs – as time goes on I’m excited to work with those guys more.
What do you see as your greatest strengths as a player and where do you see the most opportunity for improvement at the NFL level?
I think my strengths are my balance and physical style. I’m a between the tackles type of dude and can make things happen out of nothing – gain extra yards with effort.
One thing I need to work on – something the running back coach talked to me about at OTAs – was to press the line more. That means that when I get the ball in the backfield, even if I see a hole, that I shouldn’t hit it right away. Instead they want me to press the line and be patient. If I hit it too quickly that makes it easier for the linebackers. If I am patient that may get the linebackers out of position and gives the offensive line a chance to latch on to them more.
Lastly, what should we know about you that has nothing to do with football?
I’m a good speller!
Wait – that’s what we should know about you? Like, spelling-bee spelling?
Ha – not spelling bees. I just started telling people that a couple of months ago. I just realized that about myself – that I was a good speller – and wanted to start telling people that.
Ok – I really hope you’re not sitting at home at nights spelling…what else do you have?
No it won’t come to that! I play video games – Call of Duty, stuff like that. But I’m pretty basic – I like to hang out with my family and try to get out of my comfort zone.
How so – what are some things you like or want to do?
Anything but the ocean! I’ll try anything else but I don’t want to the ocean. Who knows what’s under you! Piranhas, sharks…! You have no idea what’s in there!
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