During training camp, Redskins.com will provide an in-depth look at the drafted rookies, both on and off the field. Today's spotlight is on Arie Kouandjio, a fourth-round pick.
A week into his first professional football training camp and rookie offensive lineman Arie Kouandjio is already feeling some of the differences in comparison to his days with Alabama.
Yes, Alabama was quite the powerhouse during Kouandjio's time there, and he has two championship rings to prove it.
But those days are distant now and the competition he is going against on a daily basis is much more difficult.
"The differences are guys are a little bit faster, guys are stronger," he said. "Things you expected when going to the next level. Alabama did prepare me really well for something like this, prepared me more for the mental side and stuff like that and getting me ready to be able to adapt. It's a good experience here and it was a good experience there."
Kouandjio will get his first true test against difference competition starting tomorrow when the Texans come to town.
The week after, he'll play in his first preseason game against the Browns.
Occasionally he still gets nervous for games and big-time moments, and that may be the case against Cleveland.
"Once and a while I get jitters out of nowhere," he said. "I just have to remind myself it's just my heart jumping and I keep going."
Who is the biggest jokester on the team?
"Trent Williams."
What came first, the chicken or the egg?
"Probably chicken."
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Check out images of rookie offensive lineman Arie Kouandjio during his first few months with the Washington Redskins.
When did you start playing football?**
"When I was in the eighth grade."
Where is the go-to food spot in Tuscaloosa?
"I like Hoo's Q."
Why did you parents decide on Maryland when moving from Cameroon?
"I have no idea. I think it was just where there were a lot of Cameroonian people."
How often do people get your name wrong?
"Pretty often. A lot of people are getting it right nowadays on the first try, but probably I'd say 70 percent of the time."
ROOKIE SPOTLIGHT SCHEDULE:
--Reiter: 7/30
--Spencer: 7/31
--Mitchel: 8/1
--Jarrett: 8/2
--Spaight: 8/3
--Arie Kouandjio: 8/5
--Jamison Crowder: 8/6
--Matt Jones: 8/7
--Preston Smith: 8/8
--Brandon Scherff: 8/10
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