The Predator is back.
Washington Redskins safety Chris Horton is ready to hunt. Last year’s seventh-round sensation became an instant cult figure with three turnovers in his first start. A blogger hung the nickname on Horton and it has more than stuck. He now sells merchandise on predator48.com.
“People yell, ‘Hey, Predator, Predator,'” Horton said. “It’s fun. I enjoy making people happy. All [the movie character] did was hunt and that’s how I play football. I’m just looking to hunt.”
There’s some truth to the moniker. Horton has a swagger — a quiet demeanor in dreadlocks daring to be tested. Horton is an equal member of a secondary that stars DeAngelo Hall and LaRon Landry, but doesn’t drop off with Horton.
Horton has always been a ballhawk with a penchant for being in the right place. His two interceptions and fumble recovery against New Orleans helped him earn both NFC Defensive Player of the Week and Defensive Rookie of the Month honors. He led the team with three interceptions overall.
A franchise known for weak drafts, especially in the late rounds, found the most productive rookie last season with its final selection. Horton was also the lowest drafted player to make the Pro Football Weekly All-Pro Team.
Ironically, Horton was never truly comfortable in the scheme. Good things just came to him.
“Last year I was all over the place,” he said. “Sometimes I was in the right place, sometimes I wasn’t.
“This year I know the defense so let’s find a way to make plays. I’m definitely not thinking a lot when I’m out there. I’ve slowed the game down and now it’s just making sure I’m always in the right spot.”
It would easy for Horton to get a big head. He wouldn’t be the first young player to believe the hype. But Horton merely needs to remember he was drafted 249th overall last year. Former starter Reed Doughty also is having a good training camp after losing his job to Horton because of back problems that required surgery.
“I’m not going to let down,” Horton said. “It’s a good start. Now I just have to better my craft. I have a lot more to do and show.”
Meanwhile, the Predator is stalking. Horton doesn’t enter the field in character, but the Alien better not cross him should the two villains make another movie.
“I never liked the animal,” joked Horton.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com or e-mail [email protected].
