EMMANUEL SANDERS
Wide Receiver - Southern Methodist Mustangs
3rd Round – 82nd Overall
Tell us how you think you fit in Pittsburgh. It seems like they have quite a few wide receivers that they're going to try to mold into different positions here, especially with Santonio Holmes leaving. Where do you think you can fit in with this derby of guys they already have assembled?
I think I'm going to fit in pretty well. I'm so excited about Pittsburgh. They have a good quarterback. They have a good receiving corps and I feel like I can learn behind Hines Ward and become a good receiver there.
Why were you suspended in 2008?
It was for some off the-field issues. I was 15 minutes late to study hall twice and I was five minutes late to practice. My coach had implemented a three-strike policy, regardless of what you did. It was three strikes and you got a two-game suspension.
We were just talking to your position coach, Scottie Montgomery. He said you are "quick to the tuck". What does he mean by that and how can that help you in the National Football League?
My playing style is I am a very elusive player. Off the ball, I'm very quick. Some receivers fit in a category of more quick than fast, but I feel like I bring both of those to the table because my straight line speed, at the combine was a 4.41, and I feel like I'm very quick too, so I'm pretty sure that's what he was talking about.
You were the lead punt returner. Can you also return kicks?
Yes sir. I would like to return punts and kick-offs.
How fast are you?
At the combine I ran a 4.41. I think the fastest I've ever ran the 40 was a 4.36.
Re: The week of the Shrine Bowl and the game.
At the Shrine Game the first day was a rough day. At SMU I played in the slot position, but in the Shrine Game we were all outside receivers. All the rest of the receivers there had been outside receivers but me coming in it took me a little while to adjust. Coming out of the Shrine Game I should people that I had some sort of athleticism that if you give me a little time I can develop into a good outside receiver.
Are you 5'10"? Can you dunk?
I can dunk. I played point guard for my high school team. My high school had never been to the playoffs, and my junior year I took us there. I played football, baseball and ran track.
Where did you go to high school?
Bellville High School in Texas.
Who is your agent?
Jordan Woy.
What brought you to SMU? Why did you choose to go there?
I was just intrigued. They hadn't been to a bowl game in 25 years. I was going to go to Houston, but I met up on my official visit with my quarterback at the time, and we were like, "Let's go to SMU and try to turn it around." And we ended up doing it my senior year.
How did your meetings with the Steelers go before the draft?
It went real well. I like what [Mike] Tomlin is about. People would ask me – because I took visits to eight different teams – and they would ask me where was I on a comfort level? Where did I feel like I was at home? I said Pittsburgh. I walked into the organization and it was very laid back. And I feel like that's the kind of guy I am.
