First off, why sign with Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent?
During the process leading up to the draft I had an amazing Zoom call with the coaches and their special teams coach especially – Danny Smith. I think we really connected well. They talked about how they wanted to use me on special teams and I am really looking forward to that – to contribute in that role.
Did you take note at all with of team’s success with UDFAs – including running back mate Jaylen Warren? Did that influence your decision?
It would have been nice to get drafted, but I’m going to dive into the work no matter what. Yes, seeing Warren there definitely influenced me and makes me feel good about coming in. Zach Gentry – I played with him and it is nice to have someone I know and can talk to. Billy Dunkle too – I played with him at San Diego State. So knowing those guys helps me.
I talked to Zach – we had a good conversation and he told me a lot about Danny Smith – that he’s a good guy to play for.
Were you aware of their interest in bringing you in before they called you during round 7?
I was yes – it was nice to have that interest from them and felt good when they called. It’s a good team – they’re known for winning.
What have they talked to you about so far in terms of what you need to work on?
They talked to me early on about my flaws to work on coming in to rookie camp. That I need to be more patient on returns. Sometimes I can be too aggressive and that’s caused a few fumbles – especially on kick offs.
How did playing quarterback in high school help you in college?
A lot of people bring my quarterback days up, yeah. I played quarterback as a kid before high school, so I was familiar with playing quarterback going in to high school. I was actually supposed to be a wide receiver in high school, but the quarterback got hurt and I was the next guy up. It helped me to learn to read defenses more – blitzes and schemes – what the options were for audibles.
Did you have any mentors that helped prepare you for the NFL now – who and how have they helped?
Rashaad Penny and Donnel Pumphrey – I talked to both of them. They are both guys that are my size – they taught me a lot. That you have to be the biggest guy on the field no matter how big you are. And to go out and have fun and play hard. Be the hardest worker there. The grind never stops.
The offense looks like it could use a bit more big play ability – is a third down role something you’re targeting?
It hasn’t been discussed with me yet, so I’m not sure. I’m sure I’ll get more information on that later on. But wherever the coaches want to put me, I’ll do my best.
I wouldn’t mind playing wideout though – I can show my speed there and make plays in open space more. That’s where I can make an impact.
Who do you model your game after now?
I look at Tarik Cohen and Tyerek Hill – I try to model my game after them. They are smaller and faster guys like I am. So while I model myself after myself mostly, I look at their game a lot.
What makes you so effective as a return specialist?
My speed and vision – seeing the hole quickly and hitting it fast. That’s why I think I’ve been successful. Finding that open space quickly. Playing running back, things open up fast at the line of scrimmage. Taking that same aspect into the return game feels natural for me.
Lastly, what should we know about you that has nothing to do with football?
I really like fashion. I like to sew and to paint. I’m a creative person and like to make my own clothes.
I also love animals – I love reptiles. I used to have a bearded dragon and a leper gecko – and a tarantula too!
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