Washington Redskins: Derrius Guice impresses at rookie minicamp
It didn’t take long for rookie running back Derrius Guice to get the Washington Redskins excited.
In the first day of rookie minicamp for the Washington Redskins, head coach Jay Gruden gushed over his new running back.
In his press conference after practice, Gruden paid rookie running back Derrius Guice the ultimate compliment, while still managing to add in a little humor.
Here’s what the head coach had to say about his new weapon:
🎥: Asked how Derrius Guice (@DhaSickest) looked today, Jay Gruden joked, “Nobody tackled him, so that’s a good thing.” Gruden adds: Guice is “a ball of energy” and was “first in the meeting w/ his playook open” pic.twitter.com/FVKQGUzarc
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) May 11, 2018
Gruden is right, no one tackled Guice on his first day. But that’s not what impressed the coaches, media or fans, it’s Guice’s hustle that had many in attendance talking. Guice was often the first player in line during various drills before moving onto the next one. That type of attitude will not only win over the coaching staff but veteran players, too, when the team reports to training camp this summer.
Three notes from rookie camp: Guice is a hustler, first in line for every drill, Gruden said he was first one with playbook open in the meeting room and a ball of fire. If he’s at all productive he will be a big-time fan favorite. 1/3
— Rich Tandler (@TandlerNBCS) May 11, 2018
You can’t make too much out of a practice session with no tackling and all rookies. Remember, 46 rookies are in Washington’s minicamp this weekend on a tryout basis. Just a handful of those players will be signed to the 90-man roster for training camp. However, Guice stood out on the field and in the meeting rooms.
Gruden’s comment about Guice being the first player in the meeting room with his playbook open is especially noteworthy. Guice is an immensely talented player. If he can show coaches and teammates his commitment to details, he is going to be a major contributor as a rookie in 2018. And if the Redskins can get anything from their running game this fall, they can contend.
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It’s still amazing Guice fell to the Redskins late in the second round. The phantom reports on Guice’s apparent issues have yet to surface and he’s moved on. So has Washington. If Guice can stay healthy, he’s a serious contender for offensive rookie of the year. He’s that good. And while he’s already endeared himself to coaches, he’ll soon be a fan favorite, too.