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Washington Redskins: Reintroducing Martrell Spaight

By Hunter Noll

Aug 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Justin Hardy (16) is tackled by Washington Redskins outside linebacker Martrell Spaight (50) after a catch during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Justin Hardy (16) is tackled by Washington Redskins outside linebacker Martrell Spaight (50) after a catch during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Redskins might not have the most talented group of interior linebackers in the National Football League, but they do have one of the deepest. Martrell Spaight is one of the main reasons fans shouldn’t sleep on this position.

Spaight was a fifth round draft pick of the Redskins in 2015, and quickly became an intriguing prospect. Just 21-years old at the time of the draft, Spaight had a great combination of quickness, instincts, and hard-hitting abilities.

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Not only were the fans falling in love with the way he played on the field, but it seemed like the coaches were too. Sadly, for everyone, Spaight’s rookie campaign was cut down to just one game. After a week one concussion, Spaight was placed on injured reserve and missed the rest of the season (via Zac Boyer of the Washington Times).

Spaight is back, and by the looks of it, ready to make a major impact.  His performance so far in camp has been head turning, and he followed it up with a great performance in the first week of the preseason. He also had a banger when it comes to pre game speeches.

I mentioned this in an earlier article, but he gets you so hyped that I felt it necessary to revisit.

With all that being said, you’d expect Spaight to be in line for a starting position, correct?

Not right now. This is my opportunity to settle down the notion that the Redskins interior linebackers are mediocre-at-best. Will Compton and Mason Foster both showed out at the end of last season, while Perry Riley Jr. is no pushover.

Compton has unusual speed and quickness for an interior linebacker, giving him an advantage in the run game. Foster may not blow you away with any one trait, but he’s always right in the middle of every play. His instincts are spectacular. Finally, Riley Jr. is underrated in coverage and is one of the harder hitters in football.

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With that being said, Spaight can still fight for extra playing time, and he’s putting up a compelling argument.

As you can tell from the video above, the now 23-year-old is ready to leave his legacy.

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