First off, what does the offseason look like for you? What are you up to now?
I live in Tampa here with my family. I’m here staying in shape and waiting to see where I’m headed next. Right now I’m enjoying time with my one-year old.
What made you decide to sign with the Steelers as a free agent last season?
For one, my familiarity with Arthur Smith after having played for him in Atlanta. That was a big draw. I like his offense and liked playing for him when he was the head coach. And who wouldn’t want to play for the Steelers and Mike Tomlin – it’s a top-notch organization and Tomlin is a great head coach.
What do you like about playing for Arthur Smith?
His philosophy – the way he goes about his business. He’s a transparent guy and that draws people to him.
As for his scheme – a guy like me – I feel like I’m a good downfield threat. I haven’t had as many opportunities in the middle of the field as much over the years. But the downhill running offense – that suits me well. When the defense is forced to come up to stop the run ideally that gets me opportunities over the top. I just wish I had more chances to show that.
I wanted to ask you about that. Not as an empty compliment here, but every time you get the chance I see you making plays. Why don’t you get more chances? Is it your size?
I think it’s my size yeah. I really only got two games with Pittsburgh where I got real opportunities – Cleveland and San Diego – and I think I took advantage and showed that I can play at a high level when I get the chance. I showed that in practice – I know coaches are impressed with me when they see what I do in practice when guys are trying to guard me.
It’s tough – there are ups and downs – you just have to keep your head down and keep working.
Were there guys in Pittsburgh that helped you adapt to the team most when you got there?
Calvin Austin – he was there for a couple of years and helped out with advice. Christian Kuntz grew up there and knew the area and was helpful. Calvin – being in the same position group – he helped me with the day-to-day the most. What to expect in camp and OTAs, scheduling, things like that.
What if anything is different about the Steelers versus other teams you played for?
I’d say how intentional they are with everything they do. Mike T. – he means everything he says – I like that – that transparency. That was better than in a lot of other places I played at. They tell you how they really feel about you and I appreciate that.
Practices were also more difficult than anywhere else I’ve been. It’s a tougher mindset. Even the locker room – it’s not flashy and they share it with Pitt. It’s a gritty mindset and it shows up in games and practices.
I wanted to ask you about that locker room comment as the NFLPA report just came out ranking the Steelers facilities very low. Do you think it’s in part because of that grittier mindset they want to reinforce?
That’s the vibe I felt – I mean, I can’t say why for sure if they are doing it for that toughness feel. But I do feel like it gives a version of toughness. I don’t know that but that’s my thought – and it’s not like the locker room is trashy or anything.
Looking at the Steelers offensive scheme. As a receiver, was the run-focused scheme frustrating for receivers. Was the lack of opportunities an issue?
Look we all want the ball. Receivers always want it. It’s a tough position to play when you’re out there for a lot of snaps and you get to do so little. It looks like you aren’t doing anything. There’s one ball and you can’t do everything with it.
We all wanted the ball more – but it was a good group of unselfish guys. Guys like Van Jefferson – people say maybe he’s not open a lot because he’s not getting opportunities. But he’s out there doing the dirty work and when they threw to him like they did in the playoffs he made plays and we got going a little bit. It was too late but we thought we had what it took as a receivers group.
Regarding opportunities and the usage of the middle of the field and throwing more downfield – from your perspective is that a scheme issue to avoid turnovers, a quarterback decision issue…where does that lie?
I don’t know. The quarterback makes decisions as a passer, Arthur Smith makes up the scheme and Mike T. oversees it all. If I could put my finger on it that would be great but I don’t know why we didn’t use the middle of the field more or get the ball out quicker.
I’m not in the meetings when they are designing plays. And I’m not in Russ’ shoes. I think because Russ has always been good outside the numbers they maybe schemed to go off of his strengths more that way. It’ll be interesting to see who the quarterback is next year and how that affects things.
Was it harder on the receiver group with the quarterback changes?
I don’t think it was difficult. We worked with both in the offseason. We had a lot of reps with Justin when Russ was limited in camp and I think we did well when we transitioned to Russ. When Russ started off with a couple of good games we knew they’d stick with him.
Do you want to re-sign with the Steelers if given a chance? Do the quarterback questions affect that?
I am definitely open to coming back. I would like more opportunities – but I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I like Mike T. and Arthur Smith. I have a good comfort level there. The quarterback position being up in the air – whether it’s Justin, Russ or someone else, that doesn’t factor in on the decision for me. I’ll be happy with whoever they sign.
Is there a preference on which type of quarterback the group likes to play with?
I’d say as a wide receiver you just want a quarterback that can get you the ball accurately and on time, and who can create out of the pocket. Both Russ and Justin can do it in different ways. I think the receivers would be happy with either quarterback. We all know the talent Justin has – he’s not just a runner. He can tear up a defense throwing the ball. We saw that in practice. And Russ can do both too. They both can play at a high level just in different ways.
What happened to the offense at the end of the season, from your perspective? Were teams figuring the scheme and Russ out more?
I don’t know what happened at the end. We slowed down those last games, and even when we won the offense was struggling. We tried to make some changes but it’s tough to make big changes late in the season. We tried some different things – a flea-flicker versus the Ravens and tried to tweak some other things. But it was just too late.
Lastly, what makes you tick that has nothing to do with football?
I am a big competitor no matter what I do. I play pickle ball here in Tampa and love boating, surfing and wakeboarding here on the lake. I love starting to get my one-year old into that. I really enjoy doing that in the offseason here in Tampa.