The Washington Redskins have experienced a mass coaching exodus over the last couple of weeks under new head man Ron Rivera, but one guy that was kept around is Ike Hilliard, the well-established wide receiver’s coach.
For the franchise, his continued role with the team presents a chance to maintain stability with the receivers, allowing their crop of young talent to grow and learn under the same coach for multiple seasons. For Hilliard, it presents a chance to continue his work with rookie WR Terry McLaurin — a player who at times renders him speechless.
“Man, I don’t know where to start,” Hilliard said, via The Athletic. “There are so many good things I could say.”
Hilliard had a front-row seat for McLaurin’s rookie year in Washington, where he finished the season with 919 yards and seven touchdowns. He was also right there when McLaurin started his NFL career on a torrid pace, becoming the first player in history to have over 65 yards and a touchdown in each of his first three games.
“He just came in making plays every day and put himself in position to be a starter,” Hilliard said. “He’s going to put himself in position to be one of the better players to play in this organization in a long time.”
Anyone in Washington this past year was able to witness the immense talent that No. 17 has, but his level of great went beyond the Redskins circles. McLaurin now has opposing coaches waxing poetic about his ability to come down with the ball, and how dangerous he can be once he gets into the open field. In The Athletic piece, Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Peterson spared no praise for the rookie he will face twice a year for seasons to come.
“What a dynamic player,” Peterson said. “He’s explosive. He’s smart. He’s a tough kid. I don’t really know him personally, but everything I see on tape is kind of what I would expect if I have a chance to meet him and see him in person that way. … He’s going to have a long future in this league.”
A long future, hopefully with a dynamic quarterback getting him the ball. If the Redskins are able to further develop Dwayne Haskins over the next couple of seasons, there is no telling what the Redskins’ offense could become.
“If Terry stays healthy and he gets a certain amount of opportunities per game,” Hillard said, “I don’t think there’s a ceiling on what he can do.”
