Q: There’s probably going to be, depending on what happens with Terrell, there’s going to be an opening at nickel. They’re probably going to take a look at a lot of different guys. Coach Giunta mentioned you as a possible candidate in the nickel. What do you think you can bring to that position, and how do you fit into that?
A: I think I can bring speed. Speed, playmaking ability, and the things they brought me here for. I think that’s what I bring. We got a lot of talented guys on this team, so any one of us could fill that spot. I’m just going to go in there and work, and hopefully things will work out. My goal, my focus right now, is learning the playbook and doing my job.
Q: I would imagine that the coaches, especially with all the rookies, but also just some of you guys, who kind of fit and really have that opportunity, or might have that kind of opportunity. There’s a fine line between patience and anxious, wanting to be out there and showing what you can do. Is that fair to say at this point?
A: You have to be patient. You know, things are going to happen, when it’s ready to happen for you. At the same time, you have to go out there and show them what you’re capable of doing, and why they brought you here. You have to have that determination, at the same time, it’s always a team first… You want to go out there and prove yourself, and prove your point, playing as a team, within the defense.
Q: It seems like at the end of minicamp, you were getting some run at that slot corner spot. There were a couple times you were on Cruz, you made some nice plays. Are you anxious to get back into that position? Maybe with the ones and twos, to play that slot corner here, in camp? Do you expect that to happen?
A: Absolutely. It will happen. You just have to take it day-by-day and things will work out. I’m looking forward to getting some more reps at the nickel spot. I enjoy playing it, and hopefully, it can work out for me.
Q: Did you play it at all at Virginia Tech?
A: Very, very little.
Q: You were outside almost all the time?
A: Yep. On an island.
Q: Exactly. How much of an adjustment is that?
A: The space is a little tighter than on an island. You’re definitely going against the quicker guys like Victor, who can take you anywhere, spin you in circles and throw your weight. You have to definitely be capable of having that quickness, speed and just knowing the game. Knowing your gaps, knowing your fits and knowing your position in the defense. I think it’s an adjustment, but in time, it’ll work out.
Q: I apologize if this has been asked, but with the uncertainty of Terrell, do you sit there and say “There might be a chance for me to contribute more this year?”
A: Definitely, definitely. It’s unfortunate. Terrell’s situation… You just have to fill in and do your job, and when it’s your time to step up, step up. You gotta do what you gotta do. We have a lot of talented guys that could step into that position, but you just have to do what you do. Hopefully, things will work out.
Q: What’s the harder position to compete at? Straight corner spot or slot corner spot? What’s harder to learn, as a rookie?
A: It would have to be the nickel. It’s an adjustment coming into the NFL, with the system. Being in the inside, there’s a lot more things; gaps, knowing your gaps, knowing where to fit, blitzes, things like that. So, you have to know a little bit more, than a corner.
Q: I don’t know if you were asked about your knee injury the other day. What happened there? Do you know?
A: I just got a cleat to the knee. Nothing major, I’m back out there, full speed.
Q: Did you know it was just going to be lacerated when you went down? Did you think it was more serious than that? Did it hurt?
A: As soon as I went down, I looked at my knee, and it was something. So, we went to the trainers and got it taken care of. So, I’m back on my feet now. Minor setback, but I’m good, ready to go.
Q: Stitches slow you down?
A: No. I’m just being smart about it. Not going out there, and… I’m just being smart and taking my time.
