Chargers linebacker Manti Te'o: Media hiatus has helped me improve

Chargers rookie linebacker Manti Te'o says he has improved since being drafted. (Kent Horner/Getty Images)

On Tuesday, San Diego Chargers rookie linebacker Manti Te'o spoke to reporters for the first time since being drafted, saying he has definitely "reaped the benefits" of his media hiatus.

Te'o also turned off his Twitter account earlier this year, saying he wanted to focus on getting better as a football player.

"I've had the time to focus on the plays and focus on what goes on on the field," Te'o said, via NFL.com. "And that has definitely helped me improve."

Te'o was drafted in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft after a celebrated college career in which he won seven defensive awards during his senior season at Notre Dame.