JASON WORILDSOutside Linebacker - Virginia Polytechnic (Tech) Institute2nd Round – 52nd Overall
What do you think about the draft choice and coming to Pittsburgh? What do you think about being drafted by the Steelers? How do you think you'll fit in?
It's a dream come true. The coaches came, saw me, we went over some things with the defense, and watching some of the guys that played there before me, or now currently, I think I fit perfectly. It's really a dream come true.
Can you elaborate on that a little bit. Why do you think you fit perfectly?
Just with the types of rushes they have, those guys on the edge. I see myself in their mode. Lamar Woodley, James Harrison, physical, explosive types of edge rushers. I'm excited for the opportunity to come in and learn as much as I can from those guys.
Coach Butler, the linebacker's coach, was just talking to us and said it was a key component to that you were drafted because you were good on special teams and since they don't have rookies that start in this system or play much in this system, you're going to have to earn your keep a little bit on special teams. What do you think about that? And is that an opportunity that you think you can seize when you get here?
Definitely, coming from Virginia Tech, we put a premium on special teams. For them to give me an opportunity to come up there and compete and get any position is an honor.
Why is coming to Pittsburgh a dream come true?
It's the Steelers. You always hear about the tradition of their linebackers and that unit. Pittsburgh is a blue-collar, gritty type of place and that's the kind of ball I've always played. It's just a perfect match.
When did you know that the Steelers liked you?
I knew that they liked me when they came down for a workout. We talked football and then they put me through some drills. I think I did enough there to impress them.
How much did your shoulder injury hold you back last year?
It wasn't too bad. I recovered. With any injury you just don't get the time to make up in the weight room and all the other things that are important in football. I won't say it held me back. I still played hard.
How would you rank your bowl game [performance] compared to the other games you played all year?
I think I played well in that game. I played really well. It was against an SEC opponent (Tennessee) and we hadn't had a good run against SEC opponents. So I knew it was important for me to come out there and play to the best of my abilities. I think I did that.
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You'll be behind two Pro Bowl outside linebackers here. How do you expect to see any playing time any time soon?
I don't expect anything. I really, truthfully, want to go and I want to learn. I want to be the best - just go in there and earn those guys' respect [and] try to be the best that I can be [and] contribute in any way. And not get in those guys' way; just be a sponge. I'm really just looking forward to the opportunity.
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How do you see yourself contributing to special teams? They need help here doing that. Where do you stand out in special teams?
I've been on blocks – a lot of punt blocks [and] a lot of field goal blocks. That's really what I do, I also did kickoff. I'll be willing to learn anything else that I need to.
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I've heard the term "one-trick pony" from some draft experts. Do you take offense to that? And how would you describe yourself as a pass rusher?
Really, I feel like I can do whatever. I don't [know about] a one-trick pony, but [I can play] anything – speed rush, power, spin, inside, rip, whatever. I really feel like I'm athletic enough to do any of those things. And anything I can't do, I'm willing to learn.
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In the Tennessee bowl game, you came down the line on a run up the middle and the guy had to be helped off the field. Did you knock him out, do you know?
I don't know what happened to him.
