Davis starred at UCLA before he was drafted by the Steelers. (AP)

FOXBORO — The Patriots signed free agent linebacker Bruce Davis to the practice squad earlier today. Davis signed with the Patriots on the heels of a workout last month with New England. (He said Wednesday he also worked out for Indy, Denver and Buffalo.)

A third-round pick out of UCLA in 2008, the 24-year-old played a limited role on special teams last season for the Steelers, seeing action in five games with Pittsburgh. As a collegian, he had impressive numbers with the Bruins, finishing his college career with 29 sacks, second most in school history. The 6-foot-3, 252-pound Davis is the son of former Oakland offensive tackle Bruce Sr., who won two Super Bowl rings with the Raiders.

Here are the highlights of today’s locker room Q&A with the newest Patriot:

Did you know Matthew Slater?
We were good friends in college. Bret Lockett, too. When I came for the workout, he wasn’t in the building, but I made sure they told him I said hello. Now, I’m back. Iy’s good to be back with old teammates.

Does that make the transition easier?
Yeah, because I kind of have someone to lean on. Ask a few questions to. It does make it easier.

What are some of the differences between Pittsburgh and New England defense?
The terminology is definitely different. It’s kind of like learning a different language. I definitely have to get caught up with that, but I can still find some similarities and some stuff I can pick up on. So it’s going to be a learning process, but I don’t think it should be that bad.

Are you an outside edge rusher guy or could you play inside too?
I could play inside, but it’s kind if like whatever they’re going to ask me to do, I’ll do. At this point, I’m just trying to learn my way around. I had to ask where the training room was.

Surprised that the Patriots called?
I don’t want to say surprised. I was excited. Sitting in my house for the last month wondering when my phone is going to ring. ‘Come join us.’ It’s definitely a great feeling. I’m a football player, so sitting at the house and having to watch games … you know that there are teams out there and I’m sitting at home was really tough for me.

What did happen with the Steelers?
You know what? I didn’t even ask. After that last game, I went up there. They were like ‘Go see the GM.’ He was like ‘We’re gonna let you go.’ I shook hands with him, shook hands with Coach Tomlin, cleaned my locker out and just left. It doesn’t really matter what it is. I just wasn’t in their business plans. I can understand the game — I’ve been around the game my whole life. It is what it is. Now, it’s just time to move on.

How excited are you to join this team?
Very. It’s one of the best franchises in the NFL. I’m glad to be here, and I’m definitely ready to learn. I know there are some great vets on this team. I’m just all ears at this point.

Is it overwhelming at all?
Not yet. I’m sure it will be at one o’clock when we step out at practice, but I’m going to try as hard as I can to pick everything up. Ask a lot of questions and see how it goes.

Not sure how much you could play immediately, but one thing you can do is give them a helluva look on the scout team. Is that something that you think about?
Yeah, no doubt. It’s kind of like being a freshman in college again. You know? You just have to start over, you know? Start from the bottom. At this point, I’m willing to do whatever it takes. Do what you have to do at this point. When you’re sitting at home and you’re wondering if you’re every going to play again, it really changes your perspective on the game and how much you love the game and what you’re willing to do to get back in the game. At this point, I don’t care what they ask me to do. I’ll go wash the windows if I have to. I’m just happy to be back.