First, what’s been the offseason plan for getting ready for the season?
Just the same thing I’ve been doing – working out and working on the small details – route-running, keeping my weight up – staying strong and fast. Catching punts and kicks. I want to be able to walk into camp not feeling like a rookie. I want to feel like I’ve been there.
What made you decide to sign with the Steelers?
Well, Pittsburgh brought me in and worked me out. They put me through the physical stuff and wanted to sign me. With all that’s been going on with Covid it’s been hard to get visits. I love Pittsburgh already – I’m excited to be there. But to be honest they were the first to want to sign me.
Pittsburgh has a winning culture and I want to win. I think I’m a winner and it’s a great fit for me.
Have they said much to you yet on what to expect and what your role may be there?
They haven’t said much yet. I’ve always been a deep threat guy – my 40 time shows that. I can blow the top off a defense. And I think my special teams film speaks volumes on what I can do there too.
I’m versatile – I can play anywhere. With my special teams ability I’m just excited at the chance to make an impact there.
Have you had a chance to speak with any of the players?
In Pittsburgh not yet but I’m friends with Isaiah Wright – he plays for Washington. He gave me some tips on what to expect. Nothing too crazy. It’s hard without knowing what will happen with OTA’s yet.
Anything you feel you have to work on most?
For me, I’m the type of guy that doesn’t settle. I always want to improve on anything. Specifically, I want to work on getting a lot faster in and out of breaks. To be more shifty – especially in the slot to get open faster. To make my breaks faster.
On special teams, I just need to make sure I’m catching punts cleanly and reading special teams coverages. It’s a whole new game coming from college to the NFL. But I’ve never backed down from a challenge and I’m excited for this one.
Thoughts on catching that first pass from Ben?
Oh man, that’s a dream come true right there. That first pass, I may just take that ball and walk home with a smile on my face!
What motivates you besides football?
I’m big on family. My mom and brothers – we’ve gone through a lot together. Without my mom I couldn’t have made it this far. My mother and family in general – we’re a real tight-knit family. I have three brothers and a hometown that looks up to me – they’re in my corner. So it’s always more than just me. It’s bigger than me.
Do you look at the wide receiver room at all and see where you’re best fit may be? Talk to those guys?
Ray-Ray is good friends with my friend Isaac who went to Eastern Michigan so I know him. Cody White and I trained together in Michigan – in fact I was there when he got the call from the Steelers. It’s crazy – I forgot about that actually.
I played against Diontae – in fact there are clips of me tackling him on a punt return. I’m excited to give him crap about that!
I’m just excited to get in there. Pittsburgh is known for developing wide receivers – I want to be pushed past the point where I’m at now. I played outside at Eastern. I know I’m smaller than the outside guys on the roster now but I am just ready to go out and compete and give it my all. I can bring something different. I’m excited to make things happen for me and my family.
What will success look like for you year one?
Making the team. I want to make the roster. I signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers – that contract is success, But that’s not who I am – I want to do way bigger things than that. I can get cut two weeks into camp! I want to make the team and make an impact.
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