Commanders WR Jahan Dotson Raves About Coach Eric Bieniemy: 'Culture, Energy & Urgency'
UPPER MARLBORO, MD. -- Riverdale Baptist School's football field was the setting for a Next Gen Camps youth football camp this weekend, and Washington Commanders receiver Jahan Dotson was the star attraction.
While Dotson could have been sitting at home playing video games the Commanders' budding star chose to spend his first day off following the conclusion of team OTAs and reconnect with the youthful fun side of football.
But he carved out time to speak with us as well and got in a little shop-talk about the arrival of assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
"It's been really good. Just getting back with the guys has been really great," says Dotson. "Coach Bieniemy, I feel like he's brought culture to our team, he's brought a sense of energy, sense of urgency. It's been really good just being able to learn from him."
Dotson also said his role within the offense doesn't feel too different from the one he got quickly accustomed to in his rookie season.
Less than four games into his NFL career Dotson had already collected 12 receptions for 152 yards and four touchdowns, and was well on his way to a potential Offensive Rookie of the Year Award before a hamstring injury stole his momentum and five full games.
Dotson said he's a little bigger now than he was this time last year, an adding of bulk that he did intentionally so that when the inevitable weight loss of training camp comes, his body is ready for it.
That's just one of the lessons he's learned in his first year of professional football, and something that's going to help him have an even better sophomore campaign.
Meanwhile, the lessons that got him to this point are some of the things he shared with the young athletes attending the camp. And the opportunity to do so stands out to him for a multitude of reasons.
"If I had the chance to meet some of my idols growing up like DeSean Jackson, you know some of those guys, to be able to play on the same football field as them, like that would be so cool," Dotson said during the camp. "So just to be out here doing this for the kids here is definitely pretty cool."
Dotson wasn't alone in his effort, and Washington cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields was on hand to support his teammate in this football outing just like he has since their days together as Penn State Nittany Lions.
"That's my right-hand," Dotson said of Castro-Fields. "If you see me he's usually always with me - that's my brother."
As Dotson was enjoying his time sharing tips and going through drills with the young athletes present on Saturday, Castro-Fields was doing the same by taking other groups of players through agility and running drills.
For him, however, this camp was a special opportunity for a different reason as he returned to the very field he once played high school football on.
"It's my first time back in a minute so it feels good," Castro-Fields said. "It's fun, especially this being my high school, I remember how it was as a team or even younger just running around and football not being so serious. It kind of brings back that fun aspect, for sure."
Reconnecting with the raw fun of football is something Washington fans know a thing or two about right now. Whether it's the young talent emerging on the roster, the arrival of Bieniemy, or the anticipated departure of current owner Dan Snyder, Commanders fans are excited to a level simmering below the surface and waiting for an excuse to bring it to a boil.
Young Washington fans can get in on the fun of another Next Gen Camps program featuring a player from their favorite team with running back Brian Robinson Jr. scheduled to be in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on June 16 at Hillcrest High School. And the plan for all of these players in what they're doing at these camps for the kids? Maybe it's similarly to what Bieniemy is doing for Washington: Culture and energy and urgency.''
Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.
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