It\’s been exactly two months now since the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, and the rookie said in a Tuesday morning interview on NFL AM that he certainly understands what the organization expects from him moving forward.
“When you walk in the building you can feel the intensity and just being around those guys,” said Jones, who is currently in Ohio for the annual NFL Rookie Symposium. “The Pittsburgh Steelers are all about winning; we\’re all about being physical and making it a point to when we step on the field. I\’m glad to be part of this organization; I got some great teammates and guys that have been helping out since I\’ve been there. Just from days back you know the Steelers always have been physical and love playing defense; we try to keep the tradition going.”
During the interview, Jones was asked what it has been like playing for Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau so far this offseason and once again, he showed that he fully understands the history associated with that opportunity.
“Coach LeBeau is a great coach; he\’s a Hall of Famer – had some of the best defenses throughout the years, and we want to continue that,” said Jones. “As far as me and my situation, I got to come in and try to learn as fast as I can. We got a history around here that they don\’t play rookies, and I\’m just going to do everything I can to be ready when my name is called. I\’m not going to make any prediction or anything, just going to try to prepare myself the best way I can, and once I do get that opportunity; I want to take full advantage of it.”
Despite the fact that LeBeau usually shies away from starting rookies on his defense right out of the gate, Jones maintains that he will be ready whenever his defensive coordinator needs him.
“I try to do everything I can to have myself ready when my name is called whenever that may be,” said Jones. “I\’ll be ready for it – just continue to study my plays, be in the best condition that I can be in and be the best shape in and just be ready so when I do get the opportunity. Like I said, I want to take full advantage of it.”
So has Jones enjoyed the symposium so far?
“It\’s been great,” said Jones. “We learned a lot and we had a lot of great speakers come in and tell us about their experience. A couple of rookies from last year to come in and tell us how they adjusted to the league as far as playing, dealing with injuries, family situations and a lot of stuff they\’ve been through. So a lot of information being given out this week, and I\’m just trying to take it all in.”
