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Think of the phrase, ‘Iowa lineman.’ Think about a homegrown, middle-American kid, the kind of kid who gravitated to football early and competed with every single ounce of his, rather large, frame.
You might not realize it, but the person you’re picturing right now is actually Brandon Scherff. Or it should be.
The Denison, Iowa native has been a prolific athlete from an early age and now he’s ready to take that dominance to the next level after being selected by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the NFL draft earlier this year. Scherff is expected to be an immediate starter up front for Washington, called upon to block for a ready-to-improve running game and Robert Griffin III’s knees. Here’s what you need to know about the quintessential ‘Iowa lineman’:
1. Scherff Was Named the Country’s Best Interior Lineman Last Year
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Scherff made quite a name for himself over the course of his college career at Iowa, earning a spot on the starting lineup when he was just a sophomore. Although he was regarded as one of the best offensive linemen in the country following his junior season, Scherff opted to return to the Hawkeyes for his senior year. He ultimately graduated with a bachelors degree in leisure studies in December 2014.
Scherff told HawkCentral, he decided to return, in part, because of the strong tradition at Iowa:
Coming to Iowa, and their offensive line tradition there, sending people to the NFL and being known as tough, physical guys, that’s what I want to be known for.
Scherff started all 26 games over his final two seasons with the team and was named the Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year in the Big Ten Conference as well as a first-team All-American. However, the linemen’s most impressive honor came at the end of 2014 when he was named the Outland Trophy winner as the nation’s top interior lineman.
2. He Singed a Contract Worth $21.2 Million in May
Following his impressive career at Iowa, Scherff was selected by the Washington Redskins with the fifth overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. A top prospect in nearly every mock draft, Scherff also signed a top rookie contract, inking a four-year deal worth just over $21 million.
The entire contract was guaranteed money and Scherff also received a signing bonus of $13.68 million.
No. 5 draft pick. No. 5 in @EAMaddenNFL rookie ratings. No. 1 in our hearts.
The Redskins did surprise a few football minds when they opted to take Scherff as early as they did, instead of selecting a much-needed playmaker on defense. Head coach Jay Gruden was adamant that Scherff was worth it, however, saying the Iowa native is “going to help our running game, obviously, and it’s going to help our passing game.”
3. Scherff Was Also a Track & Field Star in High School
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Scherff, naturally, was a standout football player during his time at Denison High School, playing on both sides of the ball as a lineman. He also played a season at quarterback, racking up over 1,200 passing yards during his sophomore campaign. It was after that season that Iowa first started showing interest in recruiting him.
Away from the gridiron, Scherff was also a standout track and field athlete, competing in both the shot put and discus. He won a pair of state titles in shot when he was a sophomore and a senior and placed third in the state discus competition in 2010 with a personal-best throw of 48.95 meters.
4. He Struggled at Right Tackle During Mini Camps
Physical. Mean. Talented.
Take a look at @bscherff68‘s first #Redskins offseason.
The expectations for Scherff were sky-high as soon as his name was called on draft night. That hasn’t changed. But the challenges for the former Iowa standout have grown every time he steps onto the field.
The Redskins flip-flopped about where to put Scherff on the line, finally settling on moving him to right tackle after a college career on the left side. It hasn’t been an easy transition. Head coach Jay Gruden told CSN Washington:
You know, we saw him at the rookie camp and were excited to see him play for the first time. We moved him over to right tackle and he had some struggles. The good thing about Brandon is he’s strong, he has great feet and he really cares about the success of a football play. With all that in mind, size, strength, takes coaching well, has a great coach working with him. I think he’s going to be fine.
Since rookie camps and early offseason workouts, Scherff has worked with offensive line coach Bill Callahan and fine-tuned his game ahead of training camp. Washington is now anixious to see what Scherff can do in full-pads, at full-speed. Your move, rookie.
5. Scherff Met ‘The Hogs’ Shortly After He Was Drafted
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There aren’t too many idols available for young offensive linemen but it didn’t take long for Scherff to meet some of his. Shortly after he was drafted by the Redskins in May, the former Iowa standout was face-to-face with “The Hogs,” Washington’s famed front line during 1980’s and 90’s at the team’s annual Burgundy & Gold Banquet.
Although he isn’t exactly a small guy, Scherff was still humbled by the sheer size of “The Hogs,” particularly former tackle Joe Jacoby. Scherff described the moment to the Redskins’ blog:
Just learning about ‘The Hogs,’ that’s probably one of my favorites, and just meeting some of the guys. Joe Jacoby – I thought I was a big guy, but he’s an incredibly big man.
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Brandon Scherff: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know