First, what’s the offseason plan as you get ready for camp? Did the coaches tell you anything to get ready for in camp?
I’m just working out – running and lifting. Just getting ready for the start of rookie mini-camp.
The coaches haven’t told us to do anything – not really. I just signed so it’s early for that.
Why did you decide to sign with the Steelers? I’m sure you had other offers?
I signed because I thought Pittsburgh would be the best fit for me after the departure of Mike Hilton and Steven Nelson. I have the chance to go there and compete right away. Regardless of how I got there I have the opportunity now to show what I’ve got and to play – especially as a hometown guy.
I know you have a few guys you are familiar with there now. Anyone help give you some advice ahead of camp?
I talked to Marcus {Allen} the other day. He gave me some tips – filled me in on some of the ins and outs. How to approach the game as a professional. Marcus told me how to be a pro – to do the extra things other guys might not want to do – do the extra stuff.
I also know Pat {Freiermuth} and Jarvis Miller too who was signed as an undrafted free agent.
You’ve got some special teams experience – how will that help your chances to succeed there?
I think that shows that I can be the complete package. It helps with the longevity of my career – that I can play anywhere. On special teams and on defense.
You mentioned before that the departure of Nelson and especially Hilton can help your chances. How do you think your skills align to what Hilton did?
The bigger of the two for me is Hilton yeah. I think that opens up the star – the nickel role – for me. I know Cam Sutton can roll into that spot and Layne can too, but they need to find someone who can fill that role and that fits the strength of my game. The way they used me at Penn State fits perfectly for the role.
How so?
I think my versatility and physicality. I am a good fit in the run game as a nickel back – I can tackle and I play very physical. At Penn State I had to take on offensive linemen from school like Ohio State, Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota… I have no problem getting in there and getting my hands dirty.
How are you in pass coverage from the nickel spot?
I went up against guys like Hamler every day in practice at Penn State – that helped me out so much to understand how to cover those quick, shorter guys. I played a bunch of different types of defenses at Penn State too – that helps make me a perfect match for what Pittsburgh needs.
What’s the one thing if you worked would most improve your chances to make the team?
Really just getting the playbook down – that’s all it is. Just getting the schemes and terminology down. Once you do that you can play faster and you know what you are doing.
Any guys on the team you’re most looking forward to learning from?
Minkah and Haden for sure. Just because they handle themselves so professionally – they handle things the right way. Just working with them and learning from them – seeing how they approach the game and how to be a real professional.
Lastly – what motivates and inspires you besides football?
My little boy – he’s the whole purpose for everything – he’s my ball of energy and why I continue to do what I do. He’s the reason why I will be successful.
Outside of him, I am into music and entertainment, activism, day-trading…I’m into a lot of different things. I like to have balance in life and keep my options open. Knowledge is knowledge – I definitely have a passion for knowledge.
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
