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Former Arkansas standout Martrell Spaight had a lost rookie season in Washington last year. After being selected 141st overall in the 2015 NFL Draft, he was placed on injured reserve due to lingering symptoms after sustaining a concussion in his Week 1 game against the Miami Dolphins.
However, the second-year pro is already making an impact in training camp for the Redskins. Head coach Jay Gruden praised Spaight when discussing the inside linebacker position with ESPN.
“Spaight is having one heck of a camp so far,” Gruden said. “He’s turned a lot of heads.”
On Thursday, Spaight broke up a pass intended for tight end Jordan Reed at the goal line in zone coverage. He also broke through the line of scrimmage and stopped running back Keith Marshall in the backfield. Spaight also laid out Chris Thompson at the end of one play, which forced the running back to fall down.
Spaight credits his year within Washington’s system for his different outlook in this year’s training camp.
“The biggest thing is understanding the scheme,” he said. “The more you understand it the faster you can play and not think, ‘Oh, did I do something wrong? Or am I doing something right?’ You can’t coach instincts. I’ve been fortunate to have it, and just go out and attack.”
You can read more of Spaight’s second-year in training camp at ESPN here.
Jason covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
