First off, what made you decide to sign with the Steelers this offseason?
Well, I just felt like it was a good fit. A new beginning. Coach T. – everyone told me he was a great coach and when I spoke to him at the combine I could see that too.
Also, Frisman Jackson was my coach at Baylor. We had a great connection and I think we can continue that in Pittsburgh. So it was a good place for me to go.
What did Frisman and others you spoke to say about the Steelers that helped sway you?
They just said it was a good place to be -they love their players and are all about football. The best players play there. My style also fits there. I have the same style of play as George Pickens – being on the opposite side of him would be a great fit. We both can make plays deep downfield and I take blocking seriously as well.
What’s the offseason look like for you?
I’m really just trying to stay active and staying in the best shape I can. Staying mobile and making sure everything is feeling good. Staying fresh and sticking to my diet.
How is your health? I know there have been a few injury setbacks that have hurt your chances to make teams over the last few years.
My health is good. I’m working with my team to come up with the best plan and weight program for my body so nothing new comes up. I’m ready to get started.
Were there players over the course of your career so far that helped mentor you and show you the NFL ropes? How so?
When I was with the Jets Corey Davis really helped me. He showed me the ropes – he did a great job showing me how to be a pro. That has made a big difference for me. To have a routine you follow every day. That’s the key to everything. That’s when good results happen.
What does being a pro mean to you?
It means doing the right thing – spending extra time at the facility. Staying late and studying film. Doing those extra things. I struggled with that early, on to be honest.
What do you think separates yourself as a receiver from others?
My physicality and ability to make big plays. I can be that guy. My physicality in the run game – I like popping holes for running backs to run through.
What is Frisman Jackson like as a coach – how would you describe his coaching style?
He’s a great guy. He loves his players and was always a phone call away if you needed something or just wanted someone to talk to. He taught us to not let outside noise distract you. To rely on your teammates.
He also loves to coach. He likes to talk to you a lot and coaches you hard.
You mentioned earlier your appreciation for the blocking part of the game. That’s a big ask in Arthur Smith’s offense. What drives that love for blocking for you?
My size. I’m a big guy and know I need to use my size to succeed and separate myself from other guys. We all want to catch passes and make plays and score touchdowns. I want to. But being a good blocker is key as well. If the running backs eat, we all eat.
What’s the one area you think you need to improve on most – what one area of improvement is most important to you?
I don’t know – I feel like we all have room to improve. The thing now is, I have to make plays and show to people what I can do. It’s been a whole year since I’ve had the chance to make plays.
How much of an issue has those injuries been for you over your career – how much have they set you back?
They’ve been a key part of it. It’s been frustrating. They have always set me back as I was getting back into things. Staying healthy has been an issue for me. I’m looking forward to staying healthy and having a fresh start now.
Lastly, what should we know about you that has nothing to do with football – what else makes you tick?
I realize now how much time flies. You have to enjoy every moment while you’re in it.
What else I like to do? I love to cook. I love to barbecue – though I’m flexible and like to cook a lot of different things.
I know the defensive line used to have a barbecue cookoff – maybe you can sneak in!
Ha maybe – but I should probably just let those big guys handle that!
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
