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Three biggest surprises of Washington Football Team’s camp so far

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 15: Troy Apke #30 of the Washington Football Team looks on during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on December 15, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 15: Troy Apke #30 of the Washington Football Team looks on during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on December 15, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 29: Troy Apke #30 and Shaun Dion Hamilton #51 of the Washington Football Team talk during their game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 29: Troy Apke #30 and Shaun Dion Hamilton #51 of the Washington Football Team talk during their game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

1. S Troy Apke

For much of the offseason, it was assumed that free-agent signee Sean Davis was going to start next to Landon Collins at the free safety position. But through three days of training camp, a different player has been trotting out there to pair with him on a daily basis.

And that has been Troy Apke.

Apke, a third-year safety out of Penn State, was always known as an elite athlete, but he was raw as a football player. He needed time to develop at the next level and needs some good coaching. He didn’t get that from the old staff and Greg Manusky, but Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio appear to be getting quite a bit out of him, and Landon Collins is taking notice, per Zach Selby.

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"“[Apke’s] doing a great job. He’s understanding what he’s supposed to be looking at. We’re talking all the time on the back end, making sure what he sees. He’s picking my brain on my knowledge about how to play different things and playing within the defensive calls and how we’ve got to see things and see different adjustments. Just being on the same page.”"

Between that and Rivera’s comments on Apke’s athleticism, it seems that the former Nittany Lion is certainly in the conversation for the safety position. He may even be the favorite at this point. That’s not too shabby for a guy who was viewed as a fringe roster candidate or backup-caliber player by most during the offseason.

Next. Notes from Day 3 of Washington's padded practice. dark

We’ll soon see if Apke can continue to improve and earn the starting job. But right now, he definitely deserves a stock up for his performance so far. And he is the biggest surprise so far considering that he went from the roster bubble to potential starter so quickly.

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