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Every summer, in every training camp around the NFL, fans and media members select one guy for their "summer crush." We've found that guy for the Washington Commanders this summer: running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
A seventh-round pick from the University of Arizona, Croskey-Merritt has a unique story. First, he was a zero-star recruit from Montgomery, Alabama. After a record-breaking career at Alabama State, Croskey-Merritt wanted to face stiffer competition to help his chances of making it to the NFL. He rushed for 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns at New Mexico in 2023 and transferred to Arizona in 2024. In his only start for the Wildcats, Croskey-Merritt rushed for over 100 yards before a bogus eligibility issue cost him the rest of his final collegiate season.
The NCAA's poor decision likely cost Croskey-Merritt in the draft. The Commanders were thankful he was there when it was their turn to make their final pick. Since his arrival, coaches and teammates have praised "Bill." Yes, Bill is Croskey-Merritt's nickname and the name by which everyone calls him. Last week, head coach Dan Quinn praised Bill's "violent cuts."
On Monday, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury met with the media, and it was his turn to praise Bill.
"Bill, for a young guy who loves football, competes, very explosive," Kingsbury said. "He got ruled ineligible at Arizona and stayed and played scout team the whole year, which is like nobody would do that, so that tells you right there the type of passion he has for, and it shows up."
Kingsbury can't wait to see the rookie in the preseason.
"There's no doubt Bill's had some good flashes for a young guy," he said.
Check out this video captured at Monday's practice.
A violent cut, indeed.
Croskey-Merritt is not only making Washington's roster, but he will, at some point, figure into the Commanders' offensive plans. Most summer crushes fizzle once they fail to make the roster. Bill is different.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: The hype around 'Bill' is real
Continue reading...
A seventh-round pick from the University of Arizona, Croskey-Merritt has a unique story. First, he was a zero-star recruit from Montgomery, Alabama. After a record-breaking career at Alabama State, Croskey-Merritt wanted to face stiffer competition to help his chances of making it to the NFL. He rushed for 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns at New Mexico in 2023 and transferred to Arizona in 2024. In his only start for the Wildcats, Croskey-Merritt rushed for over 100 yards before a bogus eligibility issue cost him the rest of his final collegiate season.
The NCAA's poor decision likely cost Croskey-Merritt in the draft. The Commanders were thankful he was there when it was their turn to make their final pick. Since his arrival, coaches and teammates have praised "Bill." Yes, Bill is Croskey-Merritt's nickname and the name by which everyone calls him. Last week, head coach Dan Quinn praised Bill's "violent cuts."
On Monday, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury met with the media, and it was his turn to praise Bill.
"Bill, for a young guy who loves football, competes, very explosive," Kingsbury said. "He got ruled ineligible at Arizona and stayed and played scout team the whole year, which is like nobody would do that, so that tells you right there the type of passion he has for, and it shows up."
Kingsbury can't wait to see the rookie in the preseason.
"There's no doubt Bill's had some good flashes for a young guy," he said.
Check out this video captured at Monday's practice.
A violent cut, indeed.
Croskey-Merritt is not only making Washington's roster, but he will, at some point, figure into the Commanders' offensive plans. Most summer crushes fizzle once they fail to make the roster. Bill is different.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: The hype around 'Bill' is real
Continue reading...
