“We had great visits through the process. Went to Tuscaloosa, obviously to handle some Alabama business, but we had an opportunity to really talk to some people in Tuscaloosa that had some firsthand knowledge of his capabilities, the coaching staff, and he just checked every box. We’re really excited to have him.”
He also won the John P. Angel Offensive Power Player of the Year Award at Washington’s postseason banquet.
The awards all came from his passion for the game, a passion that will have him a strong fit at tackle for the Steelers.
“Right now, he is a tackle,” said Tomlin. “We legitimately see him as a tackle. Position aside, he was the highest rated player on our board.
“His commitment to the game, his passion for the game really was evident in communicating with him. His passion is real. It is a calling card, coupled with his tremendous athletic talent.
“I just think his relationship with the game is a pure one. He’s a competitor. He loves football. He loves the things that come with football, based on talking to those around him, the preparation things, the training, practice. He’s a black and gold type of a guy.”
