It’s scary to think that there are athletes talented enough to go pro at more than one sport in their careers.

Notre Dame wide receiver Jeff Samardzija had top-10 NFL draft talent, but possessed a 99 MPH fastball, which led him to Major League Baseball.  Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden pitched for four seasons in the minor leagues before going back to play college football.  Tony Romo fancies himself a golfer, but…I’ll leave that one alone.

Classic success stories include Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson, who had a chance to be teammates–had Sanders signed with the Kansas City Royals as the sixth-round pick in 1985.  Sanders remains the only athletes to ever hit a professional homerun and score a professional touchdown in the same week.

And then there are Redskins receivers Brandon Banks and Joshua Morgan, who are really good at…football.  Maybe not only football, but certainly not basketball; at least not at today’s Hometown Huddle Play 60 event.

Here is footage of an impromptu slam dunk contest that was doomed to failure:

The contest began as the pair stood outside of Hollywood Elementary school in College Park, Md.  Students were still being lined up inside, and Morgan grabbed a basketball from the recess supplies, shooting a few shots with average accuracy.

Banks, a noted friend of Washington Wizard John Wall, asked for the ball and dared anyone to doubt his ability to dunk.  Morgan chuckled at the notion, which was enough to force Banks’s hand.  The results were mixed.

On the one hand, Banks (listed at 5-7) did not reach the rim of the 10-foot hoop, meaning that he did not, in fact, dunk the basketball.  On the other hand, his layup was worth two points, and no one in the NBA would be able to block his speed to the basket.  Result: Good shot, bad dunk.

Morgan (listed at 6-1) possesses marginal NBA height and used it to put himself in position, before clanking the shot off the rim.  Style points are exciting, but finishing the shot is a necessary part of, y’know, basketball.  Result: Good dunk, bad shot.

Alas, today’s exhibition shed no light on which Redskins player could be the next two-sport athlete.  But given the importance of football prowess, I doubt any Redskins fans will mind.

(Photos via Jose Argueta and the Redskins Instagram)

See more photos from the Play 60 Mini-Combine

More than 120 students from nearby Sterling Middle School got a chance hang out with their favorite Washington Redskins players and get in a good workout Tuesday.

The Redskins played host to an NFL Play 60 Mini-Combine at their Ashburn, Va., facility, and took advantage of their new indoor training facility by taking things inside as rains and heavy winds moved over the area.

The event was a team effort between the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation, Commonwealth Orthopaedics, DePuy Mitek, Inc. and Safe Kids Worldwide.

The students were being trained with the help of nine Redskins players who were happy to participate on their day off Tuesday, including:

- Defensive lineman Chris Baker
- Wide receiver/returner Brandon Banks
- Offensive lineman Adam Gettis
- Safety DeJon Gomes
- Offensive lineman Maurice Hurt
- Running back Alfred Morris
- Offensive lineman Tyler Polumbus
- Running back Evan Royster
- Fullback Darrel Young

Here’s a video from Tuesday’s Play 60 event, which educated the students on injury prevention, physical fitness and concussion safety:

(AP photo)

The Washington Redskins had seven representatives (at eight positions) in the first edition of ESPN.com NFC East blogger Dan Graziano’s All-NFC East Team.

For those of you unfamiliar, the ESPN.com All-NFC East team is Graziano’s running list of the best players at each position in the division. This week’s list will be the only time that it is based on the performances of a single week (Week 1).

Which Redskins made the cut to start off the 2012 season? Here’s the list:

- Quarterback: Robert Griffin III
- Fullback: Darrel Young
- Left tackle: Trent Williams
- Outside linebacker: Ryan Kerrigan
- Cornerback: Josh Wilson
- Kicker: Billy Cundiff
- Kick returner: Brandon Banks
- Punt returner: Brandon Banks

Anytime you can go into the Superdome and defeat a very good New Orleans Saints team, you should get recognition like this. The Redskins did just that, dropping the heavily-favored Saints, 40-32.

To be honest — and Graziano makes this same point (to some degree) — there could’ve been a couple more Redskins that made this list.

He selected Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray this week, but Redskins rookie running back Alfred Morris (96 rushing yards, two touchdowns), I’d imagine, should’ve earned serious consideration.

Graziano also tabbed two other wide receivers on his list who weren’t Redskins receiver Pierre Garçon, who had four catches for 109 yards and an 88-yard touchdown catch against the Saints — in one quarter alone (before leaving the game with a foot injury). But Graziano said because Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin “played more and caught more passes,” he gets the nod this week.

Fair enough.

I think you could also make a case for Redskins safety DeJon Gomes, who had a team-best-tying five tackles and a key interception of Saints quarterback Drew Brees that he returned 49 yards inside the Saints’ 5-yard line.

CHIME IN: What do you think of this week’s representatives on the ESPN.com All-NFC East team?

While practicing against the defense, Banks made several catches — many of which were in heavy traffic — and showed his elite speed and quickness.

Here’s a quick video before the offense-vs.-defense work today that shows the wide receivers quickly getting over a case of the drops on some roll-out throws along the sideline:

And here’s another video of the wide receivers going through footwork drills:

(www.procamps.com/chriscooley)

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a professional football player is the ability to go into a community and touch the lives of area children.

At least four current Redskins players will have that opportunity here in the coming weeks through their personal youth camps.

Tight end Chris Cooley, wide receiver and return specialist Brandon Banks, outside linebacker Brian Orakpo and running back Roy Helu Jr. are each holding their respective camps soon.

Here’s the info:

Chris Cooley Camp:
Dates: June 2-3
Times: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Fairfax High School
Costs: $199
Ages: Boys and girls ages 7 to 14
Website: www.chriscooleycamp.com

Brandon Banks Football Day Camp:
Dates: July 21-22
Times: About 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Georgetown Preparatory School, North Bethesda, Md.
Costs: $249.97
Ages: 7-18
Website: https://www.footballcamps.com/default.asp?page=day&camp=56

Brian Orakpo Overnight and Commuter Football Camp:
Dates: July 17-20
Times: All day for overnighters; about 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for commuters
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, Va.
Costs: $769.97 for overnight camp; $679.97 for commuter camp
Ages: 7-18
Website: https://www.footballcamps.com/default.asp?camp=47&page=20

Roy Helu Football Camp:
Dates: June 29-July 2
Times: All day for overnighters
Location: McDaniel College, Westminster, Md.
Costs: $759.97 for overnight camp; $679.97 for commuter camp
Website: https://www.footballcamps.com/default.asp?page=20&camp=1

Linebacker Lorenzo Alexander also held his camp — The All Pro Football Camp — May 19 at Freedom High School in South Riding, Va.

Stay tuned to the blog for further updates about Washington Redskins’ players’ camps.

Last Friday was the celebrity charity basketball game that pitted the Redskins against their geographical Baltimore Ravens rivals.  What amazed most about the game is how much raw athleticism the players had to perform ably in two sports.

I wouldn’t bet on them in a high-stakes ping pong tournament, but there was a comfort level on the court that led to good-natured showboating and high-flying slam dunks.

The pictures from the event were posted on Golden Era Entertainment’s Facebook page mid-week, but with jersey-mania, it was worth waiting until Friday.

Enjoy the high-flying Redskins action as we recap all of the Redskins dunks:

Of course dunking isn’t all that matters in basketball, but it certainly makes for an exciting show.  It should be noted that Niles Paul, Brandon Banks, Josh Wilson and Markus White were budding basketball stars in high school before switching to football full time.  Receiver Joshua Morgan–pictured in a “Redskins jersey” for the first time on Friday–learned the game of football in high school, transitioning from basketball.

One man gang, Lorenzo Alexander, looks like he could play center i the NBA, now.

And while he didn’t necessarily take it to the rim, Redskins legend Darrell Green can still play some mean defense:

via Golden Era Ent.

During the darkest hours of last offseason’s lockout, Redskins receivers Anthony Armstrong and Brandon Banks livened up the debate with a playful Twitter war of who would be faster in a foot race.

While the race was never consummated (due to concerns of injuries), the merit of each competitor was debated back and forth, 140 characters at a time.  Banks is traditionally thought of as the team’s speedster, but special teams coordinator Danny Smith has clocked Armstrong at a sub-4.2 on kickoff coverage.

Whichever man is faster, we may never know–but other Redskins receivers threw their hats in the ring this afternoon, declaring their shot at the title of ‘The Fastest Redskin.’

Here’s a Twitter recap between Brandon Banks (@SpeedyBanks16), Niles Paul (@Niles_Paul) and Terrence Austin (@Terrence_Austin), with their respective merits:

It started with an admission of weight gain from Paul–a number that he then rationalized as a product of his workouts.  Paul filled the role as a reserve receiver, returner, gunner, coverage specialist, running back and tight end last year:

Y'all would judge me if I told y'all how much a weigh right now—
Niles Paul (@Niles_Paul) April 02, 2012

I promise it's all healthy weight though, when I train I tend to put on weight…—
Niles Paul (@Niles_Paul) April 02, 2012

Austin guessed that Paul had ballooned from his listed weight of 224 up to 240, which was approximately six pounds over the correct number. Seeing his opportunity to take a stab at Austin, Paul fired away this boast:

@Terrence_Austin I would lol crazy part is I feel more explosive than ever though! & I'm still faster than you & @speedybanks16—
Niles Paul (@Niles_Paul) April 02, 2012

And shots were officially fired in this Twitter-galactic battle.  It should be noted that all three players have spent time in the return game, so all are considered to have game-changing speed and elusiveness.  Going back to their respective Combine performances, Banks ran a 4.43, Austin ran a 4.58, and Paul ran a 4.51.

And here’s the subsequent stream posturing and smack talk among the three:

@Terrence_Austin @niles_paul this is a dreeeaaaaamm—
Brandon Banks (@speedybanks16) April 02, 2012

@Terrence_Austin @speedybanks16 Ay man, I don't like all this doubt. We can race 15 yards, 100 bucks says I'd win lol—
Niles Paul (@Niles_Paul) April 02, 2012

@Terrence_Austin @niles_paul lol u don't have a chance—
Brandon Banks (@speedybanks16) April 02, 2012

Now that pride was a factor for all three men, a gentleman’s agreement was in order. A Twitter-iffic handshake, if you will:

@Niles_Paul @speedybanks16 lol run dat—
Terrence Austin (@Terrence_Austin) April 02, 2012

@Niles_Paul @terrence_austin BET!!!—
Brandon Banks (@speedybanks16) April 02, 2012

And the rest of the conversation devolved into “I bet you’re slower than’s,” and rationalizing the different contestant’s testimonials of speed.

Paul finally squashed all debate, cementing a date for his teammates to race when the team reassembles in the middle of April:

@Terrence_Austin @speedybanks16 Enough talk lol I'll see you fellas in Mid April & we will settle this. I like my 100 in 1's though—
Niles Paul (@Niles_Paul) April 02, 2012

With the start of offseason activities only two weeks away, who would win a race for the title of ‘The Fastest Redskins?’  As a followup question, does it even matter?

As the 2011 regular season draws to a close, we once again turn to ESPN NFC-East blogger Dan Graziano for a look at which Redskins are the best at their position in the division.

While I have lobbied for certain players throughout the season, I do defer to Graziano for a more global perspective on the division.  I don’t have to agree, but it’s not my list.

After reaching a high-water mark of eight Redskins on the bye week edition of this list, the Redskins have sunken to as low as five in some weeks, and six in most others.  However, through sustained effort and great individual performance, the Redskins have again risen to eight honorees on the final list of the season.

This was the most by any team in the NFC East, as the Cowboys had seven, the Giants had six, and the Eagles had six of the 27 honors.

These is the complete list of Redskins on the ESPN All-NFC East team:

Fullback: Darrel Young, Redskins. Dallas’ Tony Fiammetta got the press, but Young was a consistent mauler all season.

Center: Will Montgomery, Redskins. Kept playing well as the rest of the line crumbled around him.

Outside linebacker: DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys; Brian Orakpo, Redskins. Ware among the sack leaders again. Orakpo and rookie Ryan Kerrigan should be a force in Washington for years to come.

Inside linebacker: London Fletcher, Redskins; Sean Lee, Cowboys. An old war horse who’s still the best at what he does, and a youngster who’s burst onto the scene.

Safety: Kenny Phillips, Giants; O.J. Atogwe, Redskins. Injuries limited Atogwe, but he played well enough when in there to earn the spot over the Cowboys’ disappointing guys. Phillips has emerged as one of the best in the game.

Punter: Sav Rocca, Redskins. Real tough call here between him and the Giants’ Steve Weatherford. Rocca had just one touchback all year. That’s precision.

Kick returner: Brandon Banks, Redskins. Not one guy in this division ran a kick back for a touchdown all year.

Punt returner: Brandon Banks, Redskins. Not one guy in this division ran a punt back for a touchdown all year.

Darrel Young came into training camp as the dark horse for the starting fullback position behind incumbent Mike Sellers.  Young took the position and ran with it, proving to be an upgrade at the position and a playmaker in an offense in need.  When healthy, Young is the best that this division has to offer, and he closed out the season on a strong note.

Will Montgomery supplanted Giants’ center David Baas early in the season and produced admirably against bigger, taller, stronger nose tackles throughout the season.  He was one of two Redskins linemen that started every game this season between center and guard, and he didn’t botch a single snap all season.  This was a great effort from Montgomery, who has flourished in the Shanahan offensive system.

London Fletcher and Brian Orakpo were the leaders of a productive linebacker corps this year, and both took big steps forward in their second years in the system.  Fletcher led the league in tackles by a wide margin, and Orakpo registered at least eight sacks for the third year in a row, something that hasn’t been done since Dexter Manley.  A superb effort from both of these men, as both were worthy of Pro Bowl recognition.

Oshiomogho Atogwe was brought to Washington early last offseason as a free agent, and was intended to be paired with LaRon Landry at safety.  Together, the pair suffered through multiple injuries this season, but Atogwe still found a way to produce.  With three interceptions, it could technically be considered a down year for the ball-hawking safety, but with multiple years left on his contract, Redskins fans can hope that he’s just scratching the surface in Washington.

Sav Rocca went kick for kick with fellow punter Steve Weatherford this year, and edged out the Giant at the very end.  Along with putting up franchise numbers in average, he also had one touchback in 66 attempts, a feat that was only matched by one other punter in the NFL.  He also downed nearly half of his punts inside the 20 (28), tying his career-high and good for eighth in the NFL.

Brandon Banks considers a successful return to be one that ends in the opposing end zone, something that he was unable to accomplish this season.  No returner in the NFC East was able to accomplish that, due in part to the change in kickoff rules, and partially due to penalties on his longest returns.  Despite that, Banks led the NFL in return yards with 1,502 and was more than deserving of the top spot in the East.

AP Image

Following a long touchdown pass to Roy Helu–the first receiving score of his career–the Redskins were right back in the game.  However, if they want to stay in it for the fourth quarter, they have to eliminate the big 15-yard penalties that are consistently pushing them backward.  So far, they have three of them on the afternoon.

The first was a penalty on Santana Moss for taking his helmet off after a play. He was understandably frustrated, but that’s a long-standing rule–on the field, helmets stay on.

The second penalty was on Donte’ Stallworth on the Roy Helu touchdown catch and run.  It’s unclear what exactly was going on, but Stallworth took a knee in the end zone and was flagged for excessive celebration, going to the ground in the end zone.

The third penalty was for a hit on a defenseless receiver, on the defense.

You can say what you want about the legitimacy of the rules, the interpretation of said rules, and whether or not the Redskins players violated those rules.  I certainly have my own thoughts on all three facets.  But no amount of angst or debate on the topic will change the fact that the Redskins put themselves in a position to be flagged for three flagrant fouls in a game that they’re losing.

This is a game for pride alone, and this isn’t the type of focused football that’s going to win this afternoon.

On a very positive note, running back Evan Royster is over 100 yards from scrimmage again this week, piling up 73 on the ground and 37 through the air.  It’s hard to project how Royster and Helu will pan out to a 16-game season, but the experience that they’ve gained in their respective rookie campaigns have laid the groundwork for an informed, focused offseason.

Although the Redskins haven’t found their top guy in the passing game today, Grossman has spread the ball around, finding nine different receivers, including Brandon Banks for the time this season.  Receiver Jabar Gaffney was a non-factor in the third quarter and still needs 53 yards to reach 1,000 on the season.

After three quarters in Philadelphia, it’s still in reach for the Burgundy and Gold: Redskins 7, Eagles 13.

After Brandon Banks revealed to the world that he was a lefty with a gadget touchdown pass against the New England Patriots, it piqued my interest in the left-handers on the team.

It turns out that lefties comprise 15 percent of the population, but are a brilliant class of people.  There are many famous lefties, including four of the last six presidents, Joan of Arc, Alexander the Great, and Bart Simpson.

With the help of Redskins.com’s Jessica Monaldo and receiver Anthony Armstrong, I identified the southpaws on the team, and sought to find out what makes them so brilliant.

I began my search with Banks, the man who inspired my mission.

Banks’s world-class speed is well documented, and vision allows him to find creases in the coverage, and accelerate upfield.  Although rarely used, he also has the type of game-changing speed on offense that forces defenses to respect all that he can do.

But according to a Yahoo! Sports contribution by Rebecca Bardelli, Banks also has some of the best hair in the NFL.  Now, as  the article states in its title, this is the female perspective, written for the female fan.  And Banks is quite proud of his accomplishment:

Top Five NFL Players with the Best Hair: A Female's Perspective sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=… via @YahooSports @speedybanks16 who came up with this?—
Brandon Banks (@speedybanks16) December 30, 2011

Banks said he didn’t know how he was selected, but credits the key to his success to Miss Connie, his personal hair dresser, who he visits twice a month.

“I get it washed every other week, or sometimes just once a month in season,” he revealed.  ”I don’t know what she uses in my hair, but whatever it is, it’s working.”

He also made sure to add in his theory as to why he was selected, much to the amusement of locker neighbor Josh Wilson:

His long-haired teammates were skeptical, however, unsure that he had even the best hair on the team.

“According to who?  Nooo, no,” said cornerback Kevin Barnes.  ”I’d say me and Donte’ [Stallworth] are better on this team.  Y’know, I can appreciate Logan Paulsen’s flow, and Jonathan Crompton is getting there too.  So, I dunno about all that.”

Receiver patriarch Stallworth confirmed Barnes’s assessment.

“Really?  Noo,” he said, upon hearing the news.  ”You can barely see Banks’s little hair.  He’s still a youngster, he’s still growing.  He needs until about 2013 before he’s on point.

“If he’s No. 3, I need to be No. 2.”

After hearing that he didn’t make the list, he said, “Tell the author that she messed up by not putting me on there.”

As far as who he would give credit to, he responded, “Hmmm…probably just me.  But I respect Logan’s locks–he looks like Thor with that hair.”

Despite his appreciation from the female perspective, Banks remains a disputed team champion from the male perspective.  And such is the plight of another under-appreciated southpaw.