The Two Boys from ‘Bama
By Alex Zeese
The two newest Redskins, first round draft pick, defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, and second round pick, linebacker Ryan Anderson, briefly spoke with the assembled local media Saturday afternoon before being introduced at Fed Ex Field to a crowd of Redskins faithful. The Hog Sty had the privilege of covering the event.
It’s not often that teams pick two top players from the same school, and one has to wonder if these two boys from ‘Bama are going to come into the NFL with some significant on the field chemistry that otherwise would take some time to develop. Anderson described their relationship on the field as one in which, after having played together for four years, he already knows Allen’s skill set, and knows where he will be on the field instinctively, stating, “it’s a great feeling to have another dog, who’s going to lay it all out.” Allen agreed, saying “we are going to feed off each other.”
For Allen, the top-rated defensive tackle in the draft, in particular, the chance to play NFL football in Washington is a “dream come true”. He is a local product, growing up in Leesburg, VA and attending high school just five miles from where he will now make his living, Redskins Park. Allen grew up around the Redskins, saying he had a relationship with former player Chris Cooley, calling him a role model and mentor. Interestingly, Allen stated that while he and his father had attended training camp (he remembers watching former Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb) and has been a lifelong fan, he had never had the opportunity to attend a Redskins game in person – when steps out on the field in a uniform for week one, it will be the first Redskins game he’s ever attended.
Anderson told the assembled media that the advice he got from many NFL players was just to take in the moment over the last few days, and that he’s really enjoyed the whole process of being drafted. While not a childhood Redskins fan like his teammate, Anderson was clearly appreciative of and excited about the opportunity to play football in the nation’s capitol.
When I asked about where he hopes to line up on the defensive line, Allen responded by stating that he was open to playing anywhere on the line, saying that had no issues being either on the inside or playing end. Similarly, Anderson was open to the idea of moving to inside linebacker, where the Skins have a greater need at the moment rather than playing outside, although he clarified that the coaching staff had thusfar not raised that possibility with him.
What really stood out in the press conference is that both of these young men already come across like pros. They are quiet and somewhat soft spoken, but it was clear that both intend their play on the field next year to do all the talking for them. I suspect they are going to immediately prove to be the kind of leaders in the locker room who are not particularly vocal but who will always work hard and push their teammates to give it everything they’ve got, just like they will.
In the end, as players and media alike cleared out of the interview room, I was left with the impression that the Redskins defensive was in new hands and might just be able to turn the page from the troubles of the last few years and become the unit that we all want it to be.