(AP Photo)

Tallahassee, Florida is the capital of the Sunshine State, the center of agricultural work in the panhandle, and now can also claim to have produced two Redskins draft picks in the same round.

Hailing from Florida State University, Chris Thompson and Brandon Jenkins were selected within eight picks of each other in the fifth round on Saturday.

While it isn’t a rarity for college teammates to find themselves making the journey together from their college dorm rooms to an NFL locker room (think DeJon Gomes, Roy Helu Jr., and Niles Paul from Nebraska for example), the Burgundy and Gold had never taken FSU teammates together in a single draft let alone in the same round.

As the two prepare to make the almost 900 mile trek from Florida’s capital to the Nation’s Capital, one man who calls both areas home extended a welcoming hand to the newest Washington Redskins:

Shout out to our NEW #HTTR family from FsU! #TheGifted—
Wale Folarin (@Wale) April 27, 2013

If you’ve kept tabs on the blog over the years you know that the DC rhymer is one of the biggest supporters of the Burgundy and Gold.

Publicly, the rapper has never been shy of showing his loyalty to his hometown teams. Growing up, I saw rappers support whatever franchise is “trendy” at the moment–or bandwagon fans for short.

Not Wale.

This is the same man who has combined his passions in the past to feature some words for the Burgundy and Gold’s rivals that only the deepest rooted fans can understand.

As Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, aka Wale, continued to build on his hard work through the years, he created a hearty fan base that eventually got him the mainstream exposure necessary to land him at one of the biggest rap labels in Florida.

One of those fans is Thompson.

The former FSU stud took to Twitter (@ChrisThompson_4) for some encouraging words for Redskins Nation in the form of some inspirational lyrics from the rapper himself.

"I hate to lose more than they love to win. That's the difference between me and them."-Wale—
Chris Thompson (@ChrisThompson_4) April 29, 2013

While Jenkins (@BJenkinsFSU) didn’t drop any rap one liners, he did let the DMV know that his goals extend well beyond simply getting to the league.

Can't sleep.. Got my mind on the prize—
Brandon Jenkins (@BJenkinsFSU) April 29, 2013

Keep a lookout on the two Seminoles as they prepare for the transition from cafeteria food and three hour lectures to the NFL and remember to spot Wale at FedExField this year. I’m sure he won’t be hard to miss.

Hail to the Redskins!

Since it’s not football season and there’s no Redskins football on TV, let’s assume that everyone’s attention has turned, at least for the next three weeks, to the NCAA Basketball Tournament. Call it crazy but March Madness is a force to be reckoned with at this time of year because of all the pageantry surrounding nail-biting finishes, Cinderella stories and upsets galore.

The bottom line is that the tournament is arguably one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year, other than the Super Bowl, and captivates audiences across the Nation.

Why try to fight it? Plus, Redskins players seem to be having some fun with the tournament so why can’t we?

Under further review, a total of 20 Redskins players attended schools that were part of the original field of 68 when the tournament kicked off.

Michigan State- QB Kirk Cousins; California- LS Nick Sundberg; Missouri- DT Dominique Hamilton; Temple – G Pat Boyle; Miami – WR Leonard Hankerson, FS Brandon Meriweather, WR Santana Moss; Kansas St – LB Rob Jackson; Illinois – T Tony Pashos; Colorado – OT Tyler Polumbus; Florida – G Maurice Hurt; Oklahoma- G Chris Chester, Trent Williams; UCLA- K Kai Forbath, TE Logan Paulsen; Villanova – FB Darrel Young; Syracuse – FS Tanard Jackson; Ohio State – DE Doug Worthington; Arizona – LB Ricky Elmore; Kansas – WR Dezmon Briscoe

The untold story is that seven of those schools have advanced to the Sweet 16 meaning that Redskins players have some sort of attachment or representation to almost half of the schools still standing. That being said, there may be some inter-squad battles going on at Redskins Park this week since we’re sure school spirit will be abound.

And if there are shots taken at teammates via Twitter (all in good fun of course) then no fear because we’ll be sure to monitor the situation closely so that we can report back to the fans! The fun part for sure will be watching to see how it all transpires over the next few weeks.

As far as the Redskins players competing in our Redskins Bracket Challenge are concerned, well it hasn’t exactly all been rainbows and roses for their brackets. We have over 3,365 total entries in our Washington Redskins Bracket Challenge on ESPN.com and below is where YOUR Redskins currently rank!

• QB Robert Griffin III – 121st Place
• LB Ryan Kerrigan – 245th Place
• WR Leonard Hankerson – 1,020th Place
• CB Josh Wilson – 1,951st Place
• TE Niles Paul – 2,197th Place

For Griffin III and Kerrigan, there’s still an outside chance at making a late run. However, for Wilson, Paul and Hankerson, it may be time to say better luck next year.

If we go by Josh Wilson’s Instagram account (joshwilson26) and Infographic (above), even he acknowledges that his bracket has been busted!

But don’t worry Josh, you’re not alone! In fact, zero perfect brackets remain out of 8.15 million brackets filled out via ESPN.com’s annual Men’s Tournament Challenge. Yes, Zero, and only 0.4% (30,093) brackets correctly picked FGCU & LaSalle to reach the Sweet 16. All we can say to that is better luck next year.

Ryan Kerrigan was another one of the five players who decided to test his knowledge of basketball and compete against Redskins fans in the Redskins Bracket Challenge. If you check the standings, he’s not in bad shape and last week tweeted about his desire to see a #16 seed upset a #1 seed.

I really wish this would be the year a 16 seed wins a game #MarchMadness—
Ryan Kerrigan (@RyanKerrigan91) March 21, 2013

Sorry Ryan, not this year, but after a first round scare from #16 Southern, Gonzaga did go down to #9 seeded Wichita State – a historically admirable foe come tournament time.

The five players above aren’t the only Redskins players following the tournament. WR Dezmon Briscoe retweeted Cincinnati Bengals CB Brandon Ghee sharing a feeling which most of us can probably relate.

R.I.P NCAA Bracket—
Brandon Ghee (@BGhee) March 23, 2013

All of that said, it still all boils down to YOU the fans! Remember that there is still an autographed Robert Griffin III jersey up for grabs so make sure to follow all of the Redskins Bracket Madness including updated standings at www.redskins.com/brackets. Click here for more on the official rules and how to win.

Also, don’t forget to cast your vote for the best Redskins player bracket! We have already created the tweets, all you have to do is click “vote”.

Thanks Redskins fans for your continued support. Hail to the Redskins!

Welcome to your weekly Redskins Social Media Spotlight, where we highlight the trendy topics and social media campaigns going on this week in Redskins Nation. Check it out and make suggestions below.

Last week’s Social Media Weekly Spotlight covered WR Niles Paul and his former Nebraska Cornhusker teammates doing the Harlem Shake, NT Chris Baker’s plea for 10k Twitter followers as well as a mural from Washington D.C.’s own WR Joshua Morgan.

Admittedly so, most people probably don’t get as far as clicking the link to read these weekly social media updates. Contrarily, some of you may be reading this and say, ‘Who cares about the Redskins Social Media Weekly Spotlight?’ To that, we say that it’s time to start taking social media seriously.

Fact of the matter is that social media has rapidly integrated itself into our everyday lives.

For those of you who continue to read, here’s a look at K Kai Forbath and LB Ryan Kerrigan as they hit the links, QB Robert Griffin III’s return to Baylor, LB London Fletcher‘s preparation for season 16 and G Chris Chester‘s odd, and forgettable, experience at his local gym.

According to Chris Chester’s Twitter account (@chrischester66), the Redskins guard went to the gym the other day for a routine workout and, to his surprise, encountered a man wearing yoga pants.

Just saw a man wearing yoga pants at the gym #manlawviolation.—
Chris Chester (@chesterchris66) March 08, 2013

You debate: Is it a violation for men to wear yoga pants at the gym?

He’s known for his hysterically funny impersonation of Ron Burgundy’s ‘Milk was a bad choice’ quote, but did you also know that Ryan Kerrigan (@RyanKerrigan91) has aspirations to become the next Happy Gilmore? Check out this tweet from The Athletes First Golf Classic in LA this past weekend.

Heading to LA for The @athletesfirst Classic.. Hoping this will springboard me to the PGA Tour like the Waterbury Open did for Happy Gilmore—
Ryan Kerrigan (@RyanKerrigan91) March 08, 2013

Good luck with the tour card, Ryan! We’ll be sure to let Redskins fans know if/when number 91 makes his first PGA Tour appearance. And here’s what K Kai Forbath (@KaiForbath) had to say about the dynamic Redskins duo!

Had a great time with golfing @RyanKerrigan91 today! We dominated that tournament! #HTTR—
Kai Forbath (@KaiForbath) March 11, 2013

Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) returned home to Copperas Cove, Texas this weekend for the naming of Robert Griffin III Blvd. Following the ceremony, he was in attendance to witness Baylor’s upset over #4 Kansas. In case you missed it, here’s a behind the scenes glimpse of Griffin III with Baylor’s superstar senior point guard Pierre Jackson. Jackson finished the game with 28 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds, and we like to credit Griffin III for being his good luck charm.

Me and the NFL'S rookie if the year @RGIII !! Swagger! http://t.co/C2khGCwTRL—
Pierre Jackson (@PierreJackson55) March 08, 2013

Moving forward on to free agency and the burning question about the return of LB London Fletcher. Over the past few weeks, we’ve started a #CantEscapeTheQuestion watch campaign to monitor Fletcher’s Twitter account (@LFletcher59) for updates. Well, this past week the veteran linebacker tweeted, what seems to be, some indication that he plans to return for another season with the burgundy and gold.

The veteran claims that his preparation for season 16 is underway!

Surgery went great…thanks for all the well wishes! Prep begins now for season 16! #Monster216 #HTTR—
London Fletcher (@LFletcher59) March 06, 2013

The team also announced earlier that it has re-signed five players who were instrumental in the team’s late season push to the playoffs and the 2012 NFC East title; the first in 13 years, as well as tenuring another. Click here to see their reactions after hearing the news.

Last but not least, here’s a quick update on Chris Baker’s quest to ten thousand followers. If you can recall from last week’s installment, the run-stuffing nose tackle had 9,258 Twitter followers. We’re sorry to report that he’s still well short of 10,000 but happy to announce that he is now up to 9,287 (+29).

If that number was the team’s turnover ratio, well, that would be one thing, but it’s not and he still needs your help. Come on Redskins fans, follow @cbaker92 and reward Baker by helping him get to 10k! #swaggy

Thank you, Twitterverse, for providing yet another week of Redskins updates!

Redskins Birthday’s this week: CB Josh Wilson (Monday, March 11^th).

What’s on tap this week in social media?

The March Madness basketball tournament is approaching fast and as players around the country are gearing up for conference tournaments and bracing themselves for Selection Sunday, so are we. Stay tuned because we will be creating a ‘Redskins Bracket Challenge’ so you can see how your bracket stacks up against select Redskins players, including opportunities for YOU to win awesome Redskins team gear and autographed items! More information to come.

So be sure to continue to follow the Redskins on social as we roll out these contests! Also, be sure to check out Redskins.com and Redskins Blog as we’ll be bringing you up to the minute free agent updates in addition to taking a look at some of the college prospects entering the draft and analyze how they may be able to fill some of the team’s needs.

Here’s how you can stay current with all Redskins news, notes and updates:

- Facebook – www.facebook.com/redskins

- Twitter – www.twitter.com/redskins

- Google+ – www.google.com/+washingtonredskins

- Foursquare – www.foursquare.com/redskins

- Pinterest – www.pinterest.com/redskinsdotcom

- Instagram – http://instagram.com/redskins

- reddit – http://www.reddit.com/user/redskinsdotcom

- Redskins YouTube Channel

- Download the Official Redskins Mobile App

Welcome to your weekly Redskins Social Media Spotlight, where we highlight the trendy topics and social media campaigns going on this week in Redskins Nation. Check it out and make suggestions below.

Last week’s Social Media Weekly Spotlight dived into the Combine, including some of the responses that Redskins players had in regards to the results, as well as WR Pierre Garçon’s plea to LB London Fletcher to play one more year. We still do not know the answer to the latter (hopefully, we’ll have more information by the end of this week).

In fact, at this point in the decision process, all we have to fall back on is the interview with Redskins.com that the saavy vet had following the season. While some may be inclined to sit back and wonder what if, trying to envision the future with or without the middle linebacker, we will not. You may ask, why? Well, because life must go on for the time being.

So without further ado, we bring you another installment of your weekly Redskins Social Media Spotlight, consisting of Niles Paul’s Harlem Shake, Joshua Morgan’s inspiring picture, Chris Baker’s plea for 10k Twitter followers, and more!

If you haven’t noticed lately, there have been quite a bit of Harlem Shake videos surfacing the web, at a furious rate. In an attempt to try and keep pace, and since most Redskins players are back at home training and resting for their return to Ashburn, Va. in May, we scoured the internet to find a Harlem Shake that has a little Redskins flavor.

Here’s a tweet from Redskins TE Niles Paul from his old teammates performing a Harlem Shake video during spring practice.

Nebraska doing a Harlem Shake video during spring practice was pure genius #Huskers #GBR youtu.be/bGVagrpZUQY—
Niles Paul (@Niles_Paul84) March 02, 2013

For more from Niles, follow him on Twitter @Niles_Paul84. In the meantime, stay tuned and we’ll try to get our creative juices flowing in order to bring you a Redskins version of this phenomenon!

NT Chris Baker is known among his teammates for bringing the “swag” and he certainly has a magnetic personality that draws attention from those around him. But he needs your help, Redskins fans!

He needs more Twitter followers in his quest to 10,000. Baker’s account currently stands at 9,258 and, over the weekend, he went public to help him reach his goal.

I need more followers help me get to 10k tweeps come on let's go #HTTR #swaggy #redskins—
Chris Baker (@cbaker92redskin) March 01, 2013

There it is, help #swaggy get to 10k and follow him on Twitter @cbaker92redskin. You won’t regret the decision!

It’s a pretty well-known fact that WR Joshua Morgan has a deep-rooted appreciation for Washington D.C. that dates back to his childhood. Though this is no surprise, oftentimes it’s nice for us to reflect on Morgan’s success story and, for Morgan, it’s a chance for him to look in the mirror and keep driving, keep striving, to make a greater impact on the field and in the community that he knows so dearly.

Earlier this week he Instagrammed this pretty cool picture, followed by a quote, about what this city means to him. Check it out!

Im a rare breed and its because of where im from what my city does to you and the talent it produces not… instagr.am/p/WUSGt4Bgbp/—
Joshua Morgan (@JoshMorgan) March 01, 2013

“I’m a rare breed and it’s because of where I’m from what my city does to you and the talent it produces not many built like us … STILL I GRIND , Love my city … There’s nothing like it … #dcornothing #httr #wizards #caps #nats #dcunited #SE”

We appreciate you Joshua, keep pursuing the dream! You can follow Morgan on Twitter @JoshMorgan or on Instagram @feetzmorgan202.

Last but not least, remember earlier this season when QB Kirk Cousins felt the need to apologize for his new haircut? He labeled it as a ‘communication breakdown’ between him and a local Dulles barber. Well, no more, because according to his Twitter account he’s now sporting a new look.

Got a haircut today, my first since the "Dulles Barber Debacle". Now I can officially move on.—
Kirk Cousins (@KirkCousins8) March 03, 2013

On behalf of Redskins Nation, we’re happy that Kirk was able to correct the mistake because we all know that it boils down to a simple haircut gone wrong #simplethings #misfortunes. You can follow the quarterback on Twitter @KirkCousins8.

What’s on tap this week in social media?

We’re working on a few contests/sweepstakes to roll out for the upcoming March Madness basketball tournament. So stay tuned because there will be opportunities for YOU to win awesome Redskins team gear, including autographed items! But for now, be sure to follow the Redskins on social as we’ll keep you current on everything you need to know leading up to and during free agency.

Also, be sure to check out Redskins.com and Redskins Blog as we’ll take a look at some of the college prospects entering the draft and how they fit the Redskins in relation to the team’s needs.

Here’s how you can stay current with all Redskins news, notes and updates:

- Facebook – www.facebook.com/redskins

- Twitter – www.twitter.com/redskins

- Google+ – www.google.com/+washingtonredskins

- Foursquare – www.foursquare.com/redskins

- Pinterest – www.pinterest.com/redskinsdotcom

- Instagram – http://instagram.com/redskins

- reddit – http://www.reddit.com/user/redskinsdotcom

- Redskins YouTube Channel

- Download the Official Redskins Mobile App

AP Image

Redskins wide receiver Niles Paul is helping support the Body by Vi Challenge and is calling for others to join him.

The Body by Vi Challenge is a 90 day weight loss challenge, that helps participants set a weight loss goal and then gives them an interactive timeline to track their progress.

Join the fight against obesity by joining team gains 90 day challenge. Support & sign up here nilespaul84.myvi.net http://t.co/QgkYu93ou1—
Niles Paul (@Niles_Paul84) February 21, 2013

Participants can earn achievement medals along the way, as well as have a chance to win other prizes for losing the most weight in any given month.

The challenge is also for individuals who are simply interesting in staying fit. Before starting the challenge Body by Vi presents five kits that you can purchase to use during your specific workout plan. They range from kits such as the “Transformation Kit” for weight loss to the “Fit Kit” for those interested in a athletic conditioning program.

To join the challenge as a member of Niles Paul’s team, visit his team page.

(AP Photo)

Last week, the Redskins filled one of their coaching vacancies with the hiring of Keith Burns as Special Teams Coordinator. He is replacing the departed Danny Smith who took the same position with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Burns bring an ample amount of experience and success with him from his time with the Denver Broncos both on the field and with a headset. Last season as Assistant Special Teams Coach in Denver, he lead a unit that became a  booming sensation blocking punts and multiple return touchdowns.

He reunites with his coach of 11 seasons, Mike Shanahan, in hopes of improving the special teams unit in Washington. During his time as a player, he was the special teams captain for the team’s Super Bowl XXXII and Super Bowl XXXIII victories.

Read up on how Denver’s special team’s units thrived during his tenure and how he will be a resourceful tool for the Redskins this upcoming season:

The Denver Broncos secured home-field advantage in the AFC during the 2012 season thanks in large part to the efforts of the special teams unit. This wasn’t a rare occurrence for Denver, however, as the team has consistently ranked in the top half of the league in special teams statistics during Burns’ term.

Just this past week, the Broncos posted a video on their blog highlighting the top special teams plays of the 2012 season. The video package includes four return touchdowns by Trindon Holliday and two blocked punts.

That year was a banner season for Denver kicker Matt Prater. He notched a career-high 133 points, 55 of which came from the one pointer variation.

Since Burns was added to Denver’s coaching ranks, the Broncos have nailed almost 82 percent of the 182 kicks attempted between Prater, Jason Elam, and Steven Hauschka. The trio was almost perfect on extra point attempts as well, successfully hitting 227-of-229 attempts.

In his new position, Burns will have record-breaking kicker Kai Forbath under his wing. Forbath became a revelation of sorts for the franchise after years of spotty kicking displays by a conglomerate of kickers.

He made his debut in week seven against the Vikings and showed both power and accuracy as he nailed a 50 yarder and went 5-for-5 on extra point attempts. He would go on to set the record for most consecutive field goals made to start a career after hitting his 17th straight in week 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

While Burns was immensely helpful to Denver’s kickers playing against the elements at Mile High, he may have played an even larger role in the emergence of dangerous return specialist Trindon Holliday.

Holliday spent the first five games of the season with the Houston Texans. During his stint in the Lone Star State, Holliday returned 10 kickoffs for 194 yards and 16 punts for 147 yards.

After being claimed off waivers  Holliday thrived under the tutelage of Burns. He would became a big-play threat each moment he stepped on the field as he returned 11 kickoffs for  358 yards and a touchdown along with 31 punt returns for 334 yards and another touchdown.

Holliday showcased his lethal play making abilities against the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs. In the first quarter, he field a punt on Denver’s own 10 yard line and then bolted down the right sideline for a 90 yard dash to the endzone.

The score was knotted at 21 at the end of the first half and Denver lined up to begin the second half, Holliday received the kickoff inside his own endzone, took off and lit up the Ravens for a 104 yard sprint for six. Without Holliday’s performance, the Broncos wouldn’t have kept the score close.

The Redskins return game will be a key focus of improvement during the offseason. For the second consecutive season, the team did not tally a touchdown fielding kicks and punts. The last punt return for a touchdown came in 2008 when Santana Moss ran one back for 80 yards.

Washington will retain several contributors to the return game including Niles Paul and Richard Crawford. It remains to be seen, however, who will be used as the main specialist this upcoming season.

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(AP Photo)

On Saturday, quarterback Robert Griffin III wrapped up his phenomenal rookie campaign winning the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year award over fellow first-year studs Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson.

The award is just icing on the cake for the quarterback. He smashed his way into the record books the moment he put on his number 10 Redskins jersey.

In his professional debut in New Orleans, he tossed a pair of  touchdown passes in a 40-32 victory over the Saints. He capped off his season leading the team to its first NFC East title in 13 years.

He amassed 20 touchdowns, 3,200 yards, and a 102.4 quarterback rating  through the air along with 815 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground in 15 regular season games.

Griffin III was instrumental in revolutionizing Washington’s offense. He was the catalyst of a top five unit that led the league in rushing with 169.3 yards per game.

While Robert rightfully deserved the accolade for his accomplishments, football is the ultimate team sport. He is just one of 53 men who make up the Washington Redskins on game days.

Find out what some of his teammates had to say to him on Twitter here:

Tight end Niles Paul:

Congrats to @RGIII for winning Rookie of the year, it was well deserved. You helped change the whole demeanor of this team✊ #HTTR—
Niles Paul (@Niles_Paul84) February 03, 2013

Offensive lineman Chris Chester:

Congrats @RGIII way to fire that pigskin
#hailyeah #HTTR—
Chris Chester (@chesterchris66) February 03, 2013

Pro Bowl linebacker Ryan Kerrigan:

Congrats @RGIII on Rookie of the Year! Well deserved. #HTTR—
Ryan Kerrigan (@RyanKerrigan91) February 03, 2013

Tight end Deangelo Peterson:

Congrats @RGIII—
Deangelo Peterson (@D_Peterson19) February 03, 2013

Cornerback Richard Crawford:

Congrats to Jesus shuttlesworth aka @RGIII on winning rookie of the yr. get well soon bro—
Richard Crawford Jr (@Rich_Crawford6) February 03, 2013

Fellow rookie quarterback Kirk Cousins:

Great time at #NFLHonors! Congrats to @RGIII winning Rookie of the Year & @Trey_Deuces for his nomination. Future looks bright in DC! #HTTR—
Kirk Cousins (@KirkCousins8) February 03, 2013

Linebacker Keenan Robinson:

Congrats to my boy @RGIII for winning Rookie of the Year—
Keenan Robinson (@KeenanRobinson1) February 03, 2013

Defensive lineman Chris Baker:

@RGIII congrats young #swaggy well deserved keep grinding so next yr we can finish what we started & get to the Super Bowl #HTTR #ROY—
Chris Baker (@cbaker92redskin) February 03, 2013

Wide receiver Pierre Garçon:

Congrats Big Dog @RGIII—
Pierre Garcon (@PierreGarcon) February 03, 2013

And finally, some words from the man himself to Redskins Nation!

Bringing the NFL Rookie of the Year Award back to the DMV and Redskin Nation!!!
Truly Humbled #NFLHonors—
Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) February 03, 2013

Congratulations once again Robert on a tremendous season! We look forward to seeing you back on the field soon!

Redskins tight end Niles Paul has already proven that he can do most everything necessary on a football field, changing positions at the NFL level and embracing more responsibility in his second season.

Already in his young NFL career, he has 10 receptions for 177 yards, split between the wide receiver and tight end positions. He also has two career rushes for six yards, a respectable 3.0 yards-per-carry average.

Taking over as the full-time kick returner midway through the season, he returned 14 career kickoffs for 298 yards for a 21.3 average. In coverage, he has 24 special teams tackles in two years, with a team-high five punts downed inside the 20-yard line.

His athletic versatility dates back to high school, when he was a star on the gridiron, hardwood and outdoor track. In basketball, Paul was among the Class A leaders in scoring and rebounding, averaging nearly 19 points and 12 rebounds per game as a senior.

In track, Paul won the 110-meter hurdles at the state meet as both a junior and a senior, finishing second in the 300-meter hurdles and fourth in the 100-meter dash as a senior. His 4 x 100-meter relay team also finished second. As a junior, he led the Vikings to the Class A state track title by winning four gold medals.

Individually, he captured the Class A titles in the 110- and 300-meter hurdles and was part of all-class gold medal teams in the 4 x 100 and 4 x 400-meter relays. Paul also won the Class A state title in the 300-meter hurdles as a sophomore.

He was also named a scholar athlete award winner in as a senior in 2007. As Paul told the cameras, he’s no dumb jock–maintaining a 3.6 GPA over the course of his high school career. Watch the video, below:

Paul:

“From when I was a little boy, I couldn’t play if I had any C’s on my report card. Knowing that you’re actually learning something and bettering yourself, nobody can call me just a dumb jock. Because I know just as much as you do, if not more.”

Now, I’m not saying Paul didn’t spend time in the Omaha North High School library, but you have to love the B-roll of his friends visiting him while he studies alone in the library (0:34 mark). Good thing the cameras were there to catch that authentic social interaction.

In my experience, Paul is consistently one of the more thoughtful interviews in the Redskins’ locker room, and his intellect translates well to the football field.

Other coaches around the NFL have complimented Paul, head coach Mike Shanahan and tight ends coach Sean McVay on the speed of his transition to the tight end position from reciever. The transition is as cerebral as it is physical, and Paul remained an asset to the team throughout his first season of adjustment.

Let’s also not forget that he can do a flip while catching the football. That’s points for style and substance.

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(AP photo)

Niles Paul wasn’t surprised that his patience and hard work learning the tight end position had paid off with his first-career touchdown in Thursday’s win over the Dallas Cowboys.

What did surprise Paul, however, was how wide open he was on the play.

“We practiced it, I sold it and was very patient,” Paul said after the game. “And it was just wide open.”

A quick look at the play shows exactly how Paul was able to get loose with no defenders in sight.

With 12:57 remaining in the game and the Redskins leading the Cowboys 28-13, Washington faced a 3rd and 1 from the Dallas 29-yard line.

The Redskins lined up in the I-formation with quarterback Robert Griffin III under center. Behind him was fullback Darrel Young and, completing the “I” was running back Alfred Morris.

The ball was snapped, and Griffin III faked a handoff to Morris, which brought the middle linebackers out of coverage and near the line of scrimmage.

Wide receiver Aldrick Robinson — who had earlier busted wide open for a 68-yard touchdown catch — and tight end Logan Paulsen, who were on opposite sides of the field to begin the play, perfectly executed their mesh patterns, which involves them crossing each other about five yards away near the middle of the field.

Safety Gerald Sensabaugh decided to cover Paulsen, leaving Paul uncovered. He caught Griffin III’s pass around the seven-yard line before losing his balance and falling at the three-yard line. He was able to stay in bounds, get up, and backpedal into the end zone from there.

“When I looked around, yeah I was surprised,” Paul recalled. “I was like, ‘Nobody’s back here.’ And then I fell to the ground and had to roll a little bit and then back pedaled and still, nobody was there.”

Paul — who converted this season to tight end after being drafted out of Nebraska as a wide receiver last season — said he was ecstatic to get his first touchdown in a win against the rival Cowboys on a Thanksgiving Day, nationally-televised game.

“It’s an awesome feeling,” Paul said with a grin. “We’re in Dallas — our enemies, our rivals. To score a touchdown in this game feels so good.”

Niles Paul had one of those hits last Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings that you just want to watch over and over again.

So here you go (courtesty of thevikingage.com).

Paul — a special teams ace when he’s not playing his usual tight end position — was asked all about the punt return smackdown on Vikings returner Marcus Sherels after the 38-24 Redskins victory.

“I just knew that was my opportunity to get down there, kicking it to my side, and make a big play,” he said, discussing the single coverage.  “I didn’t see [Sherels] fair catch it, so I just took my shot.

“I was looking around to make sure I didn’t get the flag because his helmet came off,” he continued with a grin.  “I didn’t feel like it was a helmet-to-helmet shot, I just threw my shoulder at him. If he didn’t fair catch the ball, that’s his fault.  I lowered my shoulder; felt like I made a good play.”