First off, let me know what the plan is leading up to camp?
Right now I’m just trying to stay in shape. I’m working out at EXOS a lot with their trainers. My day usually ends around 2:00 physically. Then I’m studying and trying to finish my school work in time to graduate.
Were you surprised to get drafted by the Steelers?
I had my best meeting with them of all the teams at the combine I think. I met with 10 or so of them – Coach Tomlin, the defensive coordinator, the GM and a lot of other guys. There were a multitude of people in the room! It’s hard to remember exactly what they asked me, but a lot of what they asked were regular questions on things like my background, positions I’ve played over my time playing, how I’d describe my game. Things like that.
What do you remember most of how you heard about being drafted?
I had just taken a break. I was in the backyard with my brother getting some fresh air when they called. I ran inside and sat on the couch so I could share the moment with everyone. It was one of the scouts who called and told me they were going to take me in the next couple of picks. They were getting ready to pick me and told me that I should hold on. I was confused – I waited 10 minutes then after the pick they connected me to Coach Tomlin who congratulated me, then passed me over to the defensive coordinator.
Did they talk to you at all about playing corner versus safety? I know there’s some speculation there.
I made it known that I can play safety. I was recruited as a safety in high school and played safety some at Ohio State too. I’ll play wherever they need me to play.
What would make that transition to safety work for you – how do your skillets align with safety do you think?
I’m a willing tackler and play physical. I think I’m a smart player which you need to be at safety and I take advantage of my size and reach. I played extremely physical as a corner so I think that part of the game helps me transition well. They asked me at the combine if I wanted to play safety and I told them then I’ll play wherever they ask me.
Who are some of the mentors that helped you get to this point in your career?
I’d say Coach Joseph at Texas and Coach Rhoads at Ohio State. Especially Coach Rhoads because that was my Sophomore year and I was just starting to take the game more seriously. I was changing my habits then and he was there to help me with that. Coach Joseph taught me a lot about the game too and about technique.
Do you know anyone on the team you can lean on when you get to camp?
I know Justin Fields from my time at Ohio State – I have a relationship with him and will definitely pick his brain on the camp process. Patrick Queen – we use the same agency and he called me the day I was drafted and told me I’d be under his wing in camp. I respect his game and as the guy on defense calling the plays, that will be really helpful to learn under him. Beanie Bishop too – I met him at EXOS pre-draft.
What is the thing you feel you need to work on most when you get to the NFL? And where do you feel you excel most?
I think my strength is my physicality. I take a lot of pride in that. My tackling – and ability to go sideline to sideline quickly. Teams asked me about my ability to cover tight ends – I think I can be good there.
The thing I need to work on is the way I track the ball. I played on the boundary and I saw a lot of quick passes – quick fades, things like that – and need to learn how to adjust faster to those types of passes. I think that will be different in the NFL. It’s a timing thing. But I’m already emphasizing that with my trainers.
Looking at what you know so far of this Steelers defense – how do you fit in to their style of play?
What I remember most of the Steelers is smashmouth football. You have to be physical. I think I can play up to that. I watched Rod Woodson and Troy Polamalu play – they were my favorite players. I watched how they played.
Lastly, what makes you tick that has nothing to do with football?
Cooking! I’m learning how to cook now. It used to all be taken care of for me at the facility but now I’m learning to cook some healthy food for myself. I make a mean pasta! I just cooked some spinach lasagna and made rigatoni too!
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
