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Redskins offensive line unifying behind singular goal as Hogs 2.0

Trent Williams, left, prepares to take on Miami defensive end Olivier Vernon last season. (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post)

RICHMOND — Two weeks ago in Houston, Trent Williams and many Redskins offensive linemen worked. Running under the hot sun, working on footwork through “scorching” sand and using yoga rolls, the group gathered at O Athletik, a facility owned by Williams and Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, wearing shirts that read Hogs 2.0.

The shirts represented an homage to the Redskins offensive line during the 1980s that’s widely considered one of the best in NFL history. Hoping to replicate that group’s camaraderie, Williams organized and paid for every lineman who could make their way down to Texas. Once there, the entire group — minus Brandon Scherff and Kory Lichtensteiger, who had different commitments — worked out together, getting in shape for the season.

For the linemen, the seventh-year veteran’s offer was to be taken seriously.

“I know when Trent, when he sets something up, it’s not going to be a waste of time,” lineman Spencer Long said. “That’s why I wanted to go down there and get the group together. It’s always good. We went and got some really good work in with each other for three days. It’s definitely well worth it.”

The vision of Trent Williams: Bringing Hogs 2.0 to Washington

For second-year starter Morgan Moses, the week meant time for the position group to bond together.

“Just to see everybody out there, willing to give up a week and it was good, man,” Moses said. “It was worth the while. We got here, and we all had goals. We talked about goals while we were out there and we were able to get here and hit the ground running.”

For younger players such as Arie Kouandijo, a fourth-round pick out of Alabama last year, Williams represents a professional example.

“It just helps show me someone who is a pro baller and been in the league and played at a high level for many years and [Williams] showed me how he works,” Kouandijo said.

The moniker of Hogs 2.0 sets expectations high and gives an indication of the group’s aspirations.

“We’re learning all together, man,” Moses said. “I’ve been able to sit down with [Redskins legend and Hall-of-Famer] Joe Jacoby and pick his brain a little bit. Just to restart this thing up, man, with the 2.0, it’s a great deal.”

As for the season-long goals that the group set for themselves in Houston, mum’s the word.

“That’s top secret, man,” Moses said. “You’ve got to pay me for that.”

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