6:1 Lucky Number 7

Eighteen days and counting. With the season drawing near, the time has come for rookies and underdogs to really put their best plays on the field in hope of earning a roster spot. This is always interesting to see, as the competition is always fierce, but for the Redskins, this is extremely important. Due to the new management, coaches have no ties to old players. This means that just because a player played for Washington last year or years previous doesn't give him a spot on the team. Coaches will analyze talent and determination alone and not status. The rookie draft picks will be the most interesting to watch. Although much of the hype is centered on the Redskins' first round pick Trent Williams, I personally am intrigued by their seventh round pick, Terrence Austin.


Austin is a wide receiver/kick returner coming out of UCLA. During his college career he became the school's 2nd all-time leader in yardage. UCLA isn't the most feared football school as their basketball team is far superior and popular, however don't let this overshadow his talent. Becoming 2nd all time in yardage is still no small feat. Mike Shanahan spotted a lot of potential in this kid and drafted him in the final round of the draft. His size is most likely his weak link. He is only 5'11, which for a wide receiver is relatively small, and weighs only 172 lbs. This is the probable reason why he was the 219th overall pick in the 7th and final round of the 2010 NFL Draft. If bigger, he would be noticed with the best. Austin was a great kick returner for UCLA, and can hopefully continue his success in Washington.



The road to a roster spot in Washington will be very difficult for Terrence Austin, but not impossible. He was already offered a rookie contract; something even Trent Williams has not yet received. He shows incredible speed and because of his small size, he can make quick cuts and jukes to avoid tackles. For years the redskins have struggled at returning punts and kickoffs. In the past few years, the Redskins have turned to Rock Cartwright and Antwaan Randle El to be their return men, but they never excelled at the position. With both those players no longer on the team, there is a void for that position. This may be Terrence Austin's greatest chance at making the final cut for the Washington Redskins considering the amount of competition competing for the wide receiver positions. Eleven players are in competition for wide receiver, but essencially there are nine competing for two to three spots. If Austin wants to be a redskin, he needs to excel returning kicks in training camp. He shows much talent, speed, and energy, and it will be interesting to watch as we approach Week 1.