First, tell me how the exit interview went – did they give you ay sense on what they are looking for from you next season?
I think it went well. I’m just looking forward to finishing what I started this year.
Coach T. – he just told me to come back in two months and we’ll talk then about what I can do on offense and that sort of thing. Right now he just wanted me to take a breath and take my mind off football for a bit. To rest my mind.
As a return guy, how do you like playing for Danny Smith. How has he helped you as a return guy and what makes you so good on returns?
I love Danny. He puts you in a position to be great. He understands how to approach the game and helped me to be more patient. Not to rush things and try to force the big play.
As a return guy, it’s just what I do -who I am. I’m good with the ball in my hands. I don’t hesitate – I catch the ball and go. That’s what i do.
How do you get more snaps on offense as well – I’m sure that’s something you’re looking for?
I don’t feel that I’m a return specialist. I want to play more on offense too. I’m not just a special teams guy – I’m a playmaker. The time will come when I get the chance to show it – and when that happens the world will know it. I just have to work hard and see when it happens. It’s too early to tell now when it will happen.
How hard was the adjustment to the Steelers and the city – and did anyone help most with the adjustment?
It was an easy transition really. I traveled a couple of times to Pittsburgh to play and learned some of the city. Coach Tomlin, Terry Cousins, Haden, Nelson, Pouncey – they all were vets and helped me as a player to keep my mind right and focused.
How competitive is that receiver room?
Well all want opportunities but all help each other out. I was new to the room – we all competed with each other but it was fun competition – we had a lot of fun as a group.
What do you think, from your perspective, you have to do to get more playing time on offense?
I just have to be ready when the moment and opportunity comes. Just control what I can control – there’s nothing else to do.
I just need more opportunity. I can play anywhere on offense except offensive line!
With news of Matt Canada taking over as offensive coordinator and Ben likely coming back, what are your thoughts on Canada’s impact on the offense and the impact this will have on your ability to get offensive reps?
Being the newest to the room I’m not sure what Matt Canada did and what Randy did, but I talked to him and his knowledge of football was great. We talked a lot about football and he just had great knowledge of the game.
I think he’s more up-tempo and runs more different types of schemes. But I don’t know what he’ll change with the offense.
Seeing Randy Fichtner leave ….what are your thoughts on what he brought as a coach and how he impacted you as a player?
I’m still really in the moment. Trying to figure out how we’re not still in the playoffs and playing.
Randy was a great coach. He talked to me all the time and helped me. But we all know it’s a business.
Lastly, it also seems Ben is returning for one last season as well. Has he helped you at all in your time there?
Being new to the room I didn’t know him as well. Ben stayed to himself a lot – but he was helpful in critiquing the receivers. We are a young group so he was helpful that way and in pushing us. He was good at putting guys in positions to be great.
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