First off – how did you end up getting signed by the Steelers?
It’s been an amazing experience – it’s great to get the opportunity to be a part of the Steelers organization! It started when I was invited to go to the rookie mini-camp for the Steelers and Seahawks – they called my agent and invited me.
I showed the Steelers I was coachable and learned the scheme quickly. I put my best foot forward and had great communication with the coaching staff. I made the most of my opportunities I think. Nothing huge – but I showed that I could contribute to the team.
I watched some of your film – you play physical for a wide receiver…
You have to have that savviness and motor – and the will and want-to to catch the ball in traffic and block. I think I bring that toughness and savviness.
I know your college numbers weren’t huge – what about you is bigger than those numbers?
My college journey – I’ll just say it was one of a kind. There were highs and lows in Colorado. We were 1-11 but I had the game-winning catch versus Cal. My numbers weren’t high at Arizona but we had an amazing receiver there in Tetairoa McMillan who I played alongside of. Colorado – we struggled a bit at quarterback. But if you look at the tape and what I did when I did get the ball – I think I had a positive impact on the offense. And without the ball – blocking on the perimeter for the run game and on bubble screens.
Are there guys you model your game after or who mentored you? In watching your tape I felt like I saw a bit of JuJu Smith-Schuster there?
My game is physical – you gotta love playing that way. I didn’t have a mentor really. But one guy I did a lot of tape review on is Keenan Allen. He’s a very savvy receiver I tried to learn from when I watched how he played.
I know you weren’t invited to the combine but you went there anyway – how did that help you?
It was actually a great experience. It was my trainer’s idea. I didn’t want to miss my training work leading up to my pro day and I wanted to see what they looked for at the combine. I got to meet some of the scouts there that came to my school for my pro day – but I didn’t meet any of the Pittsburgh guys.
You’ve attended a couple of Steelers camps so far – any of the guys help you out so far and give you some helpful advice?
Calvin Austin and Robert Woods – they’ve been in the league a while and are good dudes. They showed me some different techniques that worked for them. I’m all about being a sponge right now.
Woods- he showed me about playing with pace and changing speed – that helped me.
How special is it seeing guys you compete with for reps and roster spots potentially helping you?
We can always appreciate that. It is a competition but it’s great that those guys are willing to give me a helping hand like that.
Stepping onto the field with the Steelers players….surreal? How have you managed that feeling and not getting overwhelmed?
For me it’s a blessing every time I step on to a football field. You never know when it may be your last time.
It hasn’t been a shocker or surreal for me to be honest. I worked for this my whole life. The work and grind has been great and it’s been a great group to be around. I’m just grounded now and ready to work. You never know when it may be your last snap.
You’ve had a chance to learn the playbook- thoughts on your fit on Arthur Smith’s offense? With your physicality it seems like you’d fit well.
I love the offense. I feel like I can find a role in this offense. I need to learn the ins and outs and see where I can be a real asset.
Are there areas where you think you can improve the most? And what are you best at?
You’re never good enough – you can always get better at route-running especially. I’m a technique-freak and am always looking to enhance my tools as a receiver.
As for what I’m best at? The name of the game as a receiver is catching the ball! Wherever it is, I go get it. I’m good at that.
You’ve caught passed in camp now for the quarterbacks like Rudolph, Thompson and Howard. Any early impressions?
They are all great. They let me go in and sit with them in their quarterback tape review meetings and you can see they are all smart players.
Were other receivers doing that or did you just take that upon yourself to do so?
No I just asked and tagged along with the other quarterbacks to learn more from them.
What does success look like for you this season?
That’s so hard to answer. I take things one day at a time and haven’t looked that far down the line. I think success looks like contributing to wins for the Steelers. I’m not sure how that will look – on special teams, as a receiver making plays, blocking….Any way I can help make that happen.
I meant to ask you – do you have experience with special teams?
I did play special teams in college yes. I know the ropes. I plan on making an impact on special teams. Danny Smith – he’s a great coach. He talked to the whole team at camp about the importance of special teams. He’s all about his business – about detail and giving it your all.