Quick Facts
VirgoBiography
William Compton (born September 19, 1989) is an American football inside linebacker for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He joined the team as an undrafted free agent during the 2013 offseason.
Early life
As a football player for North County High School, Compton played as a linebacker and a wide receiver. A first-team all-state selection, Compton was listed as one of the top five players entering college from Missouri high schools. He went to the University of Nebraska, where he was redshirted in 2008. He won a starting position with the Cornhuskers the next year. Compton was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, and he was team captain as a senior in 2012.
Professional career
| Ht | Wt | Arm length | Hand size | 40-yd dash | 10-yd split | 20-yd split | 20-ss | 3-cone | Vert | Broad | BP | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 1 in | 238 lb | 31½ in | 9¾ in | 4.52 s | 4.34 s | 7.41 s | 32 in | 9 ft 2 in | 24 reps | ||||||||||
| All values from 2012 NFL Scouting Combine | |||||||||||||||||||
2013 season
The Washington Redskins signed Compton as an undrafted free agent on May 2, 2013. He was released during final cuts, but signed to the practice squad a few days later. On December 24, Compton was promoted to the active roster in place of Nick Barnett.
2014 season
After the 2014 preseason, Compton remained on the active 53-man roster as a reserve inside linebacker. In Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals, he made his first career start in place of an injured Perry Riley.
2015 season
Originally beginning the 2015 season as a reserve inside linebacker, Compton filled in as a starter for an injured Keenan Robinson. Head coach Jay Gruden announced that Compton "cemented a role as a starter on this football team based on his play.” He recorded his first career interception on quarterback Kellen Moore in last game of the regular season against the Dallas Cowboys. Due to starting ten games, he earned a $222,465.82 bonus.
2016 season
On March 4, 2016, the Redskins extended a tender to Compton. He officially accepted and signed the tender on April 19.