Jacory Croskey-Merritt blazed a trail quicker than anyone associated with the Washington Commanders envisaged. The hype is real around the running back, and even the veteran players in the building are starting to take notice.
Croskey-Merritt didn't come into the Commanders like a typical seventh-round pick. He immediately caught the eye with explosiveness, dynamism, and big-play ability. This made him an instant fan favorite, and Washington deservedly rewarded him with a place on the 53-man roster.
That wasn't enough for Croskey-Merritt. He wanted to make a statement if his number was called in Week 1. To say he accomplished this feat versus a vaunted New York Giants defensive front is a massive understatement.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt won the respect of Commanders veterans for sensational start
With 82 rushing yards and one touchdown from 10 carries, Croskey-Merritt formally announced himself. He was the highest-graded rusher league-wide according to Pro Football Focus, and he also won Pepsi Rookie of the Week for good measure.
Maintaining these high standards is the tricky part. Croskey-Merritt is not a surprise package anymore, even at this early stage of his NFL journey. Teams will be wary of his presence when he's on the field. That'll make it more difficult, but he's got the early momentum needed to flourish.
All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. is among those blown away by Croskey-Merritt. He noted how he was impressed by the first-year pro during camp. And the fact that he didn't play much of his final college campaign makes his imposing start all the more extraordinary.
"Throughout camp, I was like, 'This kid can play.' The decisions he was making, how fast he sees it. When he sticks his foot in the ground, it's off to the races. It's always a learning curve from college to now, and he didn't even get to play his final college year at Arizona. He didn't have a year eligible to play, so he was a practice squad running back all year long. Bill's tough."
Deebo Samuel Sr.
This is high praise indeed. Terry McLaurin was also on the interview, and he had no idea that Croskey-Merritt had his eligibility revoked by the NCAA after just one game with the Wildcats. The journey got people talking, but the player's performances and relentless work ethic have won the respect of two established pros who've been right to the top.
NFL history is littered with unheralded players who start well but fade into the proverbial wilderness quickly. All the adulation around Croskey-Merritt is fantastic — a real breath of fresh air for someone who saw his pro hopes crash through no real fault of his own. But it will count for nothing if this cannot be sustained or perhaps even increased as the season goes on.
Croskey-Merritt gave absolutely everything to reach this point. He's not going to get complacent regardless of how much praise comes his way. But to have the respect of Samuel and McLaurin no doubt means a great deal.
Hopefully, this will inspire him to even greater heights.
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