Washington Redskins’ Leonard Hankerson Very Impressive in 2013 Preseason


Leonard Hankerson

Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

So far, only five touchdowns have been scored by the Washington Redskins offense the 2013 NFL preseason.  Two were rushed in and three came through the air.  Of those three passing touchdowns, two of them were received by third-year pro wide receiver Leonard Hankerson.

Coming from the prestigious collegiate football program at the University of Miami, in which Hankerson passed Michael Irvin for the record of touchdowns caught in a single season at 13, he was drafted in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Redskins with the 79th overall pick.

In the 2011 NFL season, Hankerson began to impress, starting in two games and playing in four.  He recorded a 100-yard game versus the Miami Dolphins in Week 10 but sustained a season-ending hip injury and was placed on injured reserve on November 15.

Although Hankerson lost the starting flanker spot to fellow receiver Joshua Morgan in 2012, he still impressed coaches, racking up 543 yards on 38 receptions for an impressive average of 14.3 yards per catch.  He played in 16 games, starting in five and scored three touchdowns.  His highlight came in Week 15 against the Cleveland Browns when he scored two touchdowns with one of them being a 54-yard grab while in triple coverage.

In the past two seasons, Hankerson has been criticized for dropping so-called easily catchable passes, if there are such things in professional football.  These drops are also prone to be at important moments.  However, this preseason Hankerson has shown improvement, catching six of eight passes for 64 yards and two touchdowns.

Hankerson currently rests behind Joshua Morgan, once again, at the flanker receiver position.  However, should he keep catching touchdowns, expect him to claim the starting position.

Thomas is a Sports Writer writer for www.RantSports.com.  Follow him on Twitter @tmford88, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google



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