Homer: Leonard Hankerson is "putting in the work"

(photo by Brian Murphy)

The Washington Redskins did the unthinkable this past offseason – they actually paid attention to the NFL Draft and tried to use it to improve the franchise.

In years past, draft picks were often sacrificed in packaged deals for aging veterans* — but this year Mike Shanahan and friends went the other way and left the draft with 12 new players.

*See: McNabb, Donovan

Of the 12 rookies, one player continues to tug at the heartstrings of Redskins fans as if he was Justin Bieber and the burgundy and gold faithful was a bunch of 12-year-old girls.

His name? Leonard Hankerson. His impact in Washington? The sky is the limit.

Maybe it’s the fact that this team has lacked a dependable* option other than Santana Moss at receiver for the majority of the Dan Snyder era.

*Can Michael Westbrook, who jumped a teammate on the sidelines, or Rod Gardner, who dropped every other pass thrown his way, be even remotely considered dependable? I say no.

With that in mind, I sought out the 22-year-old rookie to see if he’s up to the challenge of being this franchise’s next fan favorite.

First of all, welcome to Washington. For those Redskins fans who might not know much about you, can you tell me a little bit about yourself and what you bring to the table?

“I’m a big, physical receiver that loves the game,” Hankerson said. “I’m not afraid to go up and get the ball. I’m a good route runner, and most of all, I love to make big plays.”

You went to the University of Miami, and not only did you do well during your college career, you leave there as one of top wideouts to play for the Hurricanes. How were you able to be so successful during your time there?

“It’s just all about putting in the hard work,” he said. “You’ve just got to be willing to do what is necessary to get better each and every day. Catching footballs before practice. After practice. Whatever. Just working hard physically and mentally and working with the coaches to learn everything about the offense. I mean, when you put in the work like that, it shows on the field.”

There’s a pretty long line of Miami receivers who have gone on to become big-time players in the NFL. How much does that motivate you to be the next great Hurricane receiver?

“Oh yeah,” Hankerson said. “There’s been a whole lot of receivers who came out of Miami and became playmakers in the NFL. Seeing them motivates me to keep working hard and to keep putting in the time so I can be the next great one on that list.”

Which receivers did you look up to when you were growing up?

“I was actually a Florida State fan and was a fan of Peter Warrick,” he said. “I mean, I watched Miami a little bit, but as far as individual receivers, I watched Terrell Owens. I watched Jerry Rice. Since then though, the Miami guys have gotten better each and every year. Guys like Reggie Wayne, Andre Johnson and Santana Moss are a whole lot of fun to watch.”

I’m going to be totally honest with you. Redskins fans are about as exciting about you coming to town as any non-first rounder I can remember in all the time I’ve been covering this team. Clearly there is a need at receiver for a big body who isn’t afraid to go across the middle to make the tough catches. You ready to step up and be that guy here in Washington?

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If he can be anywhere NEAR as good as Johnson and Wayne, we got a steal.

I'm excited to see what this kid can do.

My mancrush on Hankerson is so beyond over the top...hope he is truly special for a long time to come.

Really can't wait to see this guy excel.

How heartening is that to read? Sounds like the kid has a fantastic attitude and an impeccable work ethic.

You look at a young man like that, and then at a guy with all the talent but little else from within to go with it like Haynesworth and you just ask "why?"

Keep it up Leonard. It's a pleasure having you on board.

Hail.

Good read as always. I love Hankerson. He seems almost OCD about outworking the opposition, and has a chip on his shoulder a mile wide. Players like that always find a way to contribute, and barring injury I feel he will be an important member of the Redskins recieving corps for a long time to come.

Really can't wait to see this guy excel.

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^^^SWFL - what's the pic reference?

I really hope that he doesn't turn out to be one of these guys that shines on the practice field but disappears during games. Everything I see or read about his is very positive. Great work ethic, puts in time and then some.

Unfortunately we haven't had good luck drafting WRs for the past 2 decades. However, i'm confident that we finally struck gold with Hank. I remember that he took being drafted in the 3rd round personally. Hopefully that will add extra fuel to the fire.

Great article Murf

I'm hoping he uses all the U's WR resources at his disposal. Hopefully those WRs from the U are a tight knit bunch. I would love to know that Santana, Andre Johnson, Michael Irvin, et al, are in his ear about how to be a successful NFL WR. Gotta leverage your resources.

I'm hoping he uses all the U's WR resources at his disposal. Hopefully those WRs from the U are a tight knit bunch. I would love to know that Santana, Andre Johnson, Michael Irvin, et al, are in his ear about how to be a successful NFL WR. Gotta leverage your resources.

Awesome article, can't wait to see what he's got! He seems like a model player.

I hope for the best but I'm not sure if he can be a number one. I think he can be a solid 2 though which I think is good for a third round pick

Great read. Thanks Homer!

^^^SWFL - what's the pic reference?

I'm guessing it was a reference to this part of Murf's article:

Of the 12 rookies, one player continues to tug at the heartstrings of Redskins fans as if he was Justin Bieber and the burgundy and gold faithful was a bunch of 12-year-old girls.

I'm guessing it was a reference to this part of Murf's article:

Duh - I'm a little slow this morning. Thanks tim.

And oh ya, did I mention, I LOVE me some Hankerson?

Just want to see him in pre-season before I get any more hyped on the guy...to which I am already VERY excited.

The "U" know how to produce WR's can't wait to see what he does.

I was apprehensive due to his drops, but, he cleaned up his drops at the end of his senior season... And his attitude has been outstanding. Great addition to this football team.

I cannot wait for Hankerson to step up and wow everyone!!

If you didnt have a huge mancrush on Hank85 before, go to fantasyfootballmetrics.com and read their writeup on him. You will be giddy like those 12-year old girls afterwards.

Love this guy... he's very interactive with the fans on things like Twitter and you never see any "gangsta" tweets from him. He's just an all around positive dude and it's really refreshing to see in a young WR.

Rooting really hard for Hanktimes !

luv him so far...thanks Murf....

Hankerson is the man. I've got the highest of expectations of him, and he's looking like he'll meet and exceed those. Hankerson in the running for ROY. Gonna grab me an 85 before they run out!