Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

First, how’s it going so far – what’s been the biggest adjustment so far?

It’s been going well so far. I can’t believe we’re already past week three. It’s crazy. Like everyone says, it’s really the speed of the game that stands out. Across the board, everyone is faster and quicker.

Is the playbook similar to what you had in Michigan?

I’m fortunate in that Michigan had a very complex playbook under Coach Harbaugh. It’s made adjusting to the NFL playbook a bit easier. The biggest issue is learning the terminology – it’s not the same of course so you have to figure that out. But it’s not as tough as it could have been due to what I had in Michigan.

The quick turnaround makes it harder too. Just the time to learn the playbook. You hit the ground running at rookie camp., have a week off, then OTAs. So just having to learn so quickly – that’s an adjustment too.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Tight End Zach Gentry”

First, can you let us know how camp has been going so far?

It’s been going pretty good so far. The environment is cool. The vets have been helping me a lot and treating me like a little brother.

Right now, the big learning curve is just adjusting to how fast things are going. It’s much faster than college. It’s tougher to get adjusted. But I can see it getting better already.

Who are the vets that have been helping you, and how?

The main guys have been James Conner and JaySam a little bit. It’s just really critiquing my reps. Helping me out with tips. Honestly, the big thing – the big adjustment is about just getting comfortable. Not overthinking things. Just playing football like I’m used to playing it.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Running Back Benny Snell, Jr.”

First,  can you let us know why you decided to sign with Pittsburgh last season – what brought that on?

When I got cut from Green Bay I had a lot of tryouts afterwards for different teams – about seven or eight of them. But they all said the same thing – that it was a good workout but they wanted to stick with the guys they had.

I was getting very frustrated, My lease was up in Green Bay and I was just about to move to New Orleans with my brother when Pittsburgh called. They said I didn’t need to do a tryout – I just needed to pass my physical. I knew that wouldn’t be a problem since I passed every physical when I tried out for those other teams. I passed the physical and I was practicing with the team the next day.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Cornerback Herb Waters”

First, are you staying in Pittsburgh or did you go back to DC after the rookie camp?

I’m still here in Pittsburgh. It’s different here than DC – but it’s good. It’s a really good city. I like the structures and the bridges, and how each section of the city has it’s own identity.

How did the tryout occur?

They reached out right after the draft. I guess they had an idea they wanted to sign me, but some teams have rookie camps one week, others the next. The Steelers were the second week so I had to weigh my options of where I wanted to go – where to go to try out. I talked to my agent and he did his homework to see what team was best for me – which I waned over the others, I had to be good with the decision and pick the right place.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Offensive Lineman Damian Prince”

First, can you let us know how you got the tryout in Pittsburgh?

To be honest, I don’t know – it all went through my agent. I was at Kansas City’s rookie mini-camp and it was their last practice when I got calls on my phone. My agent said “Guess what? You’ve been invited to the Steelers’ rookie mini-camp!'” That was on Tuesday. I asked him when it was and he told me Thursday, so it was a quick turnaround.

Kevin Colbert also called me to confirm after that.

What do you think caught their attention enough for them to sign you?

I’m not sure. I guess they liked what I had to offer. Of course, Ola Adeniyi is like my brother.  He told me to just be myself. I stayed with him – soaked up all the knowledge he had. He has established himself in Pittsburgh – they all like him – the coaches and trainers – everyone! So I’m learning from the best!

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Linebacker Tuzar Skipper”

First, let me know how you’re getting ready for the start of the season – and has it sunk in yet that you’re an official NFL football player?

Really, right now I’m just focused on staying in shape and keeping my body right. Just working out, honestly.

No, it hasn’t sunk in, honestly. I don’t think it will until I get there. I’m definitely excited to get started.

And you’re teammate P.J. Locke will now be there as well – that make it even better?

Most definitely. He texted me and told me we’d be linking up again. I’m excited to do some great things together again, in Pittsburgh.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Defensive Lineman Chris Nelson”

First, has it sunk in yet, bring drafted by Pittsburgh?

Oh yeah. I’m excited now – this is the dream for everyone wanting to play in the NFL. I’m ready for it.

Were you surprised Pittsburgh drafted you – did they show a lot of interest in you beforehand?

I didn’t now. You sit and wait is the thing – you wait for your name to be called. Nobody knows when they’ll get picked. It’s all about what you do when you get there and the opportunity to get a spot on the roster.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Defensive Lineman Isaiah Buggs”

First, what have you been doing now as you prepare for camp?

Right now, I’m pretty much just working out every day – nothing too physical though. I’m laying off the weights and focusing on endurance and footwork – keeping that intact so I can set myself apart from everyone else by being in great shape.

You signed with  Pittsburgh a bit later in the undrafted free agency process – why Pittsburgh and why a bit later?

I feel like it’s a great fit. The Steelers are known for their defense, specifically. The chance to play for the Steelers was an easy choice – you can’t do better than Pittsburgh!

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Safety P.J. Locke”

Has it all sunk in yet – getting drafted and starting your NFL career? What have you been doing to get ready for the start of camp?

It’s still surreal – it hasn’t set in yet. I’m just ready to get going, Right now I’ve just been working out and staying in shape.

A lot has been made of you and your family being Cleveland fans growing  How tough was it being drafted by your division rival?

It wasn’t a big deal – it’s all good. I was always lowkey a fan of Pittsburgh a little bit too. I’d have fun playing them on Madden. I always knew they had a good culture.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Steelers Cornerback Justin Layne”