They already knew his name, thanks to his more famous brother. When the Redskins got to know Byron Westbrook, they liked more than his surname.
Westbrook, a DeMatha graduate who played at Salisbury University, was among eight players who signed contracts. Another DeMatha alum, tight end Brian Bell also was among those signed. Georgetown’s Alex Buzbee also signed.
The others who signed: linebacker Kevin Jones (St. Augustine’s College), fullback Pete Schmitt (Wisconsin-Whitewater), receiver Carl Berman (Indiana State), defensive end Brandon Register (UAB) and guard Cornelius Rogers (UAB). Like Westbrook, Schmitt played at a Division III school.
“Byron has toughness,” Redskins assistant head coach/defense Gregg Williams said during the rookie tryout earlier this month. “He has game instinct. Hopefully, he can play inside on the nickel or the safety position because he has a good frame.”
The Redskins cut tight end Zach Hilton, defensive tackle Vaka Manupuna, receiver Adrian Madise, defensive back Daniel Francis, receiver Deyon Williams and defensive back Jerrell Pippens. They also placed fullback Nehemiah Broughton on injured reserve.
