The competition among the Redskins outside linebackers is going to be fierce at training camp, but Lynden Trail is ready to separate himself from the pack.
Washington Redskins linebacker Lynden Trail is back in a pretty familiar place, now that he's in Richmond, Va., and taking part in Redskins training camp. Trail played collegiately at Norfolk State from 2012-14, after transferring from the University of Florida.
"Well originally I'm from Miami, but you might as well call Norfolk my hometown now, because I basically live there, I have a house there," Trail said. "It's a great feeling knowing my family's only an hour away from me, being at training camp, and three hours when we are in-season, so I love the support. A lot of local fans who supported me in college now support me here and it's a great feeling to come out here and see some familiar faces."
It's been a pretty busy time for Trail ever since he arrived in town.
He and his teammates took part in a strength and conditioning test on Wednesday, and their first walkthrough on Thursday morning, in front of a large and happy group of fans, who were overjoyed that the team was back in town.
Then in the afternoon practice, Trail made some standout playing including a pass defensed after he broke through the Redskins' offensive line.
"It's always good to be out here, it's a blessing to be here, a great opportunity at that, just to be around my fellow teammates," Trail said. "The morale's great, always on the up and up. Great walk through this morning, and we are looking forward to the practices."
Trail will continue to receive a lot of attention over the next couple weeks, not just because he's 6-foot-7, but because the team's down outside linebacker Junior Galette, who was placed on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury List on Thursday after suffering yet another Achilles injury earlier in the week.
With Galette out, the "next man up" mantra is in effect for the Redskins, and Trail just might be that man to step up in training camp and seize the opportunity that's given to him.
Trail already has a plan in place that he feels will help him stand out from the other outside linebackers who are bucking to make the 53-man roster for the season.
"Well first and foremost I want to start on special teams," Trail said. "That's always a big deal, in my eyes, because people tend to forget about the third team, and special teams can change the game at any point in time and that is something I really want to impact as well."
When you're young, and you're trying to make a positive impression on your coaches, like Trail is attempting to do, the ability to excel at more than one thing will always work in your favor, and it'll help you stand out from the rest.
It never hurts to be locked in on the task at hand either, as Trail clearly seems to be. He'll need to stay focused, being in a battle for a roster spot with fellow outside linebackers Houston Bates, Shiro Davis, Ejiro Ederaine, Willie Jefferson and Mike Wakefield.
"Put your head down, work hard until your number is called and work harder," Trail said. "At this point in time it is all in God's hands, just pray and keep a great mindset."
