Our draft class had the great opportunity to attend the NFL Scouting Combine once again and display our skills alongside others at our position. It was a chance for us to showcase where we stood overall and demonstrate our abilities from college. I viewed it as a crucial opportunity to seize rather than a make-or-break situation. I wanted to exhibit my football skills in catching, running, and jumping to prove my readiness to compete. The combine also involved nerve-wracking team interviews, but it was a cool experience. I remember meeting with Coach Fredo, who is now my position coach with the Steelers, and not knowing their interest until they drafted me.
The familiarity of the combine drills made me physically prepared, but I needed to stay mentally focused throughout. Knowing my brother was watching motivated me to excel in every drill and catch. Following the combine, my focus shifted to preparing for my pro day at Michigan State, where I showcased a variety of offensive skills and made up for what I didn’t do or wanted to reinforce from the combine. Having the pro day on campus felt different from the combine, but I thrive in competitive environments and welcomed the challenge.
You have no control over it; all you can do is wait for that call. All you have to do is sit. Have faith in God and exercise patience; whatever occurs, happens. God has wonderful plans for my family and me.
At one point, I just turned to leave everyone waiting for the call. I recall entering my mother’s room. I simply strolled to my mother’s room while everyone else was in the living room. I was becoming stressed out and I simply needed some space. “Calm down, everything will work out,” said Cam. It did, of course, and it was the Steelers.
I turned to go when the phone rang because I could feel everyone staring at me. I was only there for a moment. It was Mike, the coach.
