Quebecer Benjamin St-Juste has definitely made a good impression on Washington head coach Ron Rivera since the start of training camp.
On Thursday, the 59-year-old driver praised the qualities of the cornerback selected in the third round (74th overall) of the last NFL draft.
“He has incredible vision and he knows how to use it wisely,” said Rivera, whose comments were reported by his training website.
“He’s able to keep an eye on the quarterback, knowing full well where his wide receiver is. This allows him to have great anticipation, to jump and play. He did a very good job showing us that he is involved in the game all the time. “
According to the 23-year-old, his recent training successes are due to the effort he puts in outside the football field.
“I’m a student of the game. For me as a first year player, it’s important to go one day at a time and always do a little more to study the game book,” said St-Juste. . It allows coach Jack Del Rio (the defense coach) to trust me when he sends me into the fray. In addition, I do not spoil any game. “
A flattering comparison
Asked to compare St-Juste to another player, Rivera did not go with the back of the spoon.
“I look at him and find he is like [Charles] Tillman. They have the same mentality. We always see him chasing the ball. When I try to compare him to someone, it is with him that I do it, because I see things that tell me that they share the same type of skills, ”said the one who works as a coach in the team. NFL since 1997.
Tillman enjoyed a distinguished career in the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers from 2003 to 2015. In 168 games, he made 38 interceptions, scored eight touchdowns, forced 44 fumbles and made 930 tackles.
“I’m not at Charles Tillman’s level yet, but Coach Rivera mentioned his name and mine in the same sentence. That’s a pretty good thing, said St-Juste. I’m just trying to get better every day, to one day achieve Charles Tillman status. ”
The Washington football team will play their first preseason game next Thursday, when they visit Gillette Stadium to face the New England Patriots.
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