How has offseason gone so far – why Seattle before Pittsburgh?
I signed with Seattle after the draft and was there until June. That was a good experience, but then they needed help with other positions so they let me go. After that I worked out for the Steelers and they signed me.
Why sign with Pittsburgh?
Being a local guy helped. They called my agent the day after I was released and had me come in for a workout. I guess I did well – they signed me the next day.
Who was there for the workout?
It was just me and most of the staff.
No pressure?
Ha – no! I think I was able to demonstrate the things they saw already on film. That I was smooth in my routes and was in good shape. I ran well and didn’t have any drops. I did what I needed to do to impress them.
Is closer to home helpful for you – how do you stay clear of distractions?
I think you can find distractions anywhere – close to home or in another city. It’s been helpful for me to have a support system here, right down the road. It’s just about staying locked in. Knowing the city and how things work here is good for me.
How did growing up in the city impact you as a player?
It did most definitely. There’s a rich history of stellar athletes that have come out of Pittsburgh. Seeing them and having those aspirations – not expectations necessarily – but seeing that guys here have made it. That has motivated me. I’ve lived all over the city – I’ve had humble beginnings to seeing it all come full circle gives me the opportunity to change the narrative.
You started playing late – and as defensive back in high school correct?
I started late yeah – my Senior year in high school. I played basketball – I was focused on that for a while. My family was hesitant about allowing me to play football – they were worried about the physicality and me getting injured.
My Senior year I felt like, if not now I’ll never be able to do it. It’s not like they are playing a lot of 11 on 11 in the park! So I approached my parents and told them I wanted to play. My dad told me I needed to show him that I really wanted to do it – that I was serious. He challenged me – if I could do 100 pushups he’d allow me to play. I was 160 pounds then, soaking wet. So every night before I went to bed I cranked out pushups and added five more every night until I could do 100. He made sure I really wanted it.
What have the coaches been saying to you so far?
I came in as they were getting done with OTAs so I’ve had less interaction with the staff. Being in the playbook is the biggest thing. In Seattle they gave me some good feedback on the nuances of the position. I was still pretty raw – I’m newer to the position – I’ve only played it for four years. But the coaches in Seattle worked with me on the details – keeping a low pad level, having quick feet – things every receiver is constantly working on.
What’s your style of play – how did you fit in with guys like DK, Pittman, etc…
I’m a physical wide receiver – I like to do the things that are needed when you don’t have the ball. I had a late start like I said, so I wasn’t getting the ball early. You don’t automatically earn that trust to get the ball and impact the game that way. So I took a lot of pride in my blocking to help spring running backs. I take pride in that and having a high motor. When it’s the fourth quarter I’m still ready to go.
What is the one area you want to improve on most?
My twitchiness and being sudden in my releases and route running. I’m a lean, long guy, so it’s tougher to be that twitchy. I have a couple of trainers -Jermaine Wynn and Marcus Robinson – they are real good in teaching that – filming my work and breaking it down with me on film to work on those details.
Who has helped mentor you so far? How so?
Coming in late to Pittsburgh I was there when most of the guys dispersed already. There are some here doing voluntary workouts but that’s about it. I got to bond a bit with Germie Bernard and Heidenreich so far.
The guys in Seattle were very welcoming and showed me the smaller details. The route tree in the NFL is very different than in college. Cooper Kupp, Jaxson Smith-Njigba – they really helped.
I’m excited to work with DK and Pittman in Pittsburgh. No matter who it is, if you have something to show I will learn from it.
Lastly, what should we know about you that has nothing to do with football?
I’m a very big family guy. I started off from humble beginnings – my brother, sister and I were in foster care until I was 11 years-old. I was adopted when I was 11. My family sacrificed a lot for me. Most of what I do now is to make them proud. I have four little brothers and a little sister now who look up to me. I try to set a good example for them and make my parents proud.