Signed by the Redskins on Monday, new running back Kenny Hilliard understands that he has to learn the system on the fly as he competes for a spot on the active roster.
After being out of football since his release from the Houston Texans in May, new Washington Redskins running back Kenny Hilliard says, "It just feels great to be back in football."
Hilliard was brought in by the Redskins two days after second-year running back Keith Marshall suffered a season-ending injury during an 11-on-11 drill at the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center in Richmond, Va.
He was among a handful of tryout players Washington looked at before receiving a contract offer.
"I'm very happy and blessed to be here," Hilliard said. "So, I just want to come out and just compete and learn the system, take it day by day."
Although Hilliard was released from the Texans in May, the running back has been staying in shape at IX Innovations—a training facility run by Abdul Foster, the brother of former Texans running back Arian Foster.
"Arian Foster's brother, Abdul Foster is running it [IX Innovations]," Hilliard told Redskins.com. "I've been working out there since I got released from the Texans; I've just been grinding ever since."
By joining the Redskins, Hilliard also joins his cousin, Redskins wide receiver coach, Ike Hilliard.
Though the cousins never discussed his football career this offseason, Kenny Hilliard does expect his cousin to be helpful in learning the Redskins offensive system.
"It worked out perfectly," Hilliard said. "I'm glad to be here with him and he's going to teach me a lot about this offense, so I can't wait."
Although Hilliard's future with the Redskins running back corps is uncertain, he comes to training camp ready to work, and if possible, earn his spot on the team.
"This was the only team that gave me a chance and I'm very happy and blessed to be here," Hilliard shared. "So, I just want to come out and just compete and learn the system, take it day by day."
Hilliard played collegiately for LSU, appearing in 48 games with seven starts in his time with the Tigers. He rushed for 1,547 yards and 27 touchdowns, tied for eighth-most in school history.
