Editor’s Note: The Arizona Summer Wildcat caught up with former Wildcat wide receiver Syndric Steptoe yesterday. After being drafted in the seventh round (234th overall) of April’s NFL draft, the punt return specialist and wide receiver has been working with his new team, the Cleveland Browns. He talked about what it’s like on an NFL roster and what it’s like working with seasoned veterans.
On Browns mini-camp: Everything is going really good. The coaching staff is working a lot with me anda showing me a lot of things to help me improve my game.
On improving his skills: They have showed me that I need to come up on the ball more when it is in the air. Just basically showing me that this is the NFL, and you won’t have time to wait on the ball, because the DBs are a lot faster. I have also been working on trying to run crisper routes.
On how he will fit in on the Browns roster: I feel like I am going to fit in fine. This is the Cleveland Browns organization, and I feel like they drafted me for a reason. Basically I am just going into camp and competing and whatever they need me to do I will do.
Comparing himself to former Wildcat Dennis Northcutt: Dennis isn’t somebody that I can compare myself to yet. He has been in the league for eight years, so that’s a guy I look up to more than compare myself to. Dennis was a great player when he left U of A already, and it is something I am still trying to get to.
On feelings of being picked in the seventh round: Going into the seventh round, I basically told myself that there are still picks and I was just ecstatic when I was chosen. It was just nice to be picked, and I believe in myself. The Browns gave me an opportunity, and I am just going to give it my all.
On working with head coach Romeo Crennel: Coach Crennel is a great guy. He is very business-oriented and he expects you to do your job and do it well just like any coach would. He is a great guy and a great person to play for.
On the Browns’ chances this season: I feel like we are going have a good season, but that is coming from a player’s point of view. I have to have that sense because that is the feeling I have every year, no matter what team I am on.
On working with Brady Quinn: Brady is a great quarterback. The situation he was put in on draft day was something a lot of people couldn’t have (gone) through, I think. He handled the situation like a champ, and that’s why I think he is going to be a great quarterback.
On the Browns’ starting quarterback controversy: I don’t really know how it is going to work out. When it is my turn, I just do what I have to do no matter who is throwing the ball. This is the NFL, and people are always competing for a job, so you never know.
– Interview by Ari Wasserman
