ASHBURN, Va. (WCIA) — With all 32 NFL teams in training camp, no team has more former Illini than the Washington Commanders.

Johnny Newton is gearing up for his second season of professional football, starting 11 games last season with 44 tackles and six for loss.

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“Iron sharpens iron, so that’s what we do every single day,” said Newton. “Even without the pads in these practices, we still competing, getting after each other, and I mean, we’re going against the best, so once the game time comes, it should be easier.”

Also in his second year in Washington, but his seventh season in the league, is Nick Allegretti. The offensive lineman played a significant part in last season’s playoff run and is ready to fill whatever role is necessary this year.

“Right, left really doesn’t matter to me,” said Allegretti, who won three Super Bowls with the Chiefs. “Changes up my pre-practice routine, which hip I got to loosen up. But other than that it’s it’s about the same. So just kind of doing whatever I need to do, making sure I’m ready at center as well. I really love the room that we have because it’s fun to come to work with these guys.”

Safety Quan Martin is the third and final member of the orange and blue brotherhood in Washington. In year three, he is easing out of the learning process and getting comfortable with the schemes and coverages asked of him by defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.

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“I think I pretty much know the defense, know where I’m supposed to be and now it’s all about just how can I make plays within the scheme, within the coverage, and just making the guys around me better,” said Martin. “Studying, knowing what you’re going to get pre-snap, post-snap. Just know where guys are on the field and just being able to digest the offense just allows you to be more confident and just play faster.”

53-man rosters across the league are due on August 26.

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