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ROOKIE SPOTLIGHT: Ryan Grant

Ryan Grant is in Washington for one reason – to help the Redskins succeed. And so far, he's proving to be a guy that can help the team reach both short-term and long-term goals.

Quiet off the field, the rookie has made a lot of noise since joining the team.  

Despite being drafted in the fifth-round of May's NFL Draft, Grant looks extremely comfortable out on the field.

With the No. 142 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins selected Ryan Grant of Tulane. Here's a gallery of his collegiate career and some NFL Combine still shots.

So comfortable, that head coach Jay Gruden remarked that he plays "like a 10-year veteran" during rookie minicamp.

"He's very smooth," Gruden said at the time. "He understands route concepts. He understand depths and how important they are and how to set people up… Easy in and out of breaks, effortlessly."

The rookie — who recorded 1,039 yards and nine touchdowns during his senior season -- said his on-the-field mentality is your age doesn't matter.

Your production does.

"My mentality is to get better by the day," Grant explained. "I've just been watching the film and going out on the practice field and trying to improve, sharpen my skills and do my job. Hopefully, (it means) I'll make the roster."

While some rookies are instantly thrust into the spotlight with limited resources to help with their transition from college, Grant has the opportunity to showcase himself while also learning from some of the best in the business.

Pierre Garçonand DeSean Jackson are both coming off career years while Santana Moss is one of the longest-tenured players in the NFL.

Together, they've formed a big brother-little brother bond with Grant.

"It's great, because if I have any questions they'll tell me what they'd do in that situation," Grant said when asked about having so much veteran leadership in the receiving corps. "So it's great to have guys that are like big brothers out there."

Also at his disposal is wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard – a former NFL receiver whose playing career spanned 12 seasons.

Hilliard has been working with Grant on being a professional both on and off the field.

"On the field he always tells me out there with these guys to play with a high level of confidence," Grant said. "And off the field he corrects my mistakes in the film room so I don't make the same mistakes over and over."

Five's W And One H

Why did you choose Tulane as your college destination?"I chose Tulane because it was my first official visit and I didn't want to pass up the credible degree. I know football doesn't last forever, so I wanted to get my degree and hopefully play in the NFL."

Who talks the most on the defensive side of the ball?"Brandon Meriweather talks pretty loud, but he's a good guy. Not many of them talk, but Meriweather probably has the loudest mouth."

When did it hit you that you'd be playing in the NFL?"I've wanted to do this since I was a little kid, it was always my goal. I was always into football and basketball and I just happened to have some great coaches along the way and I grew into a good player. Now I'm just trying to grow into a great player."

What is there to do in your hometown of Beaumont, Tx.?"There's nothing to do there honestly. There's some great athletes down there, all of us play football and basketball and just hope to make it out."

Where is your favorite vacation spot?"I have never been on vacation. I've been outside of Texas, but I've never been on a vacation."

How often do people bug you about not being on social media?"I've been bugged by not having Twitter and Instagram and all that, but I'm not into the social media. I'm a very low key kind of guy, and I don't need any outside distractions."

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