The running-back battle is by far the most intriguing competition among the first-year players, if not the entire team. Based on supply and demand, one of these guys should have a substantial role when the regular season comes around — and it could be anybody.
RENTON — If the Kentucky Derby left you wanting more, please turn your attention to the VMAC.
There is a three-horse race at Seahawks rookie camp that may endure through the summer.
The running-back battle is by far the most intriguing competition among the first-year players, if not the entire team. Based on supply and demand, one of these guys should have a substantial role when the regular season comes around — and it could be anybody.
In one corner, you have third-round draft pick C.J. Prosise, a Notre Dame product who switched from receiver to tailback in his final college season. In another corner, you have fifth-round pick and Arkansas product Alex Collins, whose 1,577 rushing yards last year offsets his fumbling woes and poor combine scores.
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And sprinting into the ring with a folding chair is seventh-round pick Zac Brooks, a former Clemson Tiger whose speed and hands could steal him a spot on the roster.
If you love competition as much as Hawks coach Pete Carroll does, this rookie rumble may be for you.
“Oh, we’re loving it. I think it’s a unique group because we’re all different,” Prosise said Saturday. “We’re all unique in our own way. We all bring something different to the table so I think it’s a good fit for everybody.”
With Marshawn Lynch officially retired, you have to think there’s more at stake for these newcomers than there would be in previous years. Before Beast mode hung ‘em up, the best any Seahawk tailback could hope for was an insignificant backup role.
Remember, the game after his 169-yard performance against the Bengals, Thomas Rawls had just one carry with Lynch back in the lineup. But now, the best of these draftees could be featured on national TV by fall.
That may seem like a stretch given the kind of season Rawls had last year, but it’s true. Yes, the undrafted rookie rushed for 830 yards and had the most yards per carry (5.6) among any running back with at least 50 rushes, but he also broke his ankle in Baltimore.
Combine that fracture — which is one that Seattle general manager John Schneider has called a “significant injury” —with his lack of track record, and it’s hard to say for sure who the Seahawks’ primary ball-carrier will be. And while this might not be the most pleasant thing for 12s to hear, it makes the summer months all the more compelling, no?
Anyone who follows this team knows the Seahawks embrace the run more than any NFL franchise. And anyone who follows this team knows that a rookie or hype-less draftee can have an immediate impact.
Given all the low picks and undrafted players starring for Seattle, you almost feel like the later someone is selected, the better chance he has to make the squad. Regardless, a precedent has been set for these rookie running backs to shine.
Given what someone like Rawls accomplished last year, do you feel like you have the chance to have a significant role right away? Collins was asked Saturday.
“That’s what every running back hopes and dreams of, but everybody has to go day by day,” said Collins, who is rooming with Prosise. “That’s what I want to be, that’s what I hope it is, but as far as now, I’m taking things day by day.”
That’s all anybody in his position can do, really. It will take months before any roster spot is finalized, but every rep leading up such a decision matters.
Could be fun.
Friday, Carroll was asked if anything stood out about the running backs, but he couldn’t think of a particular instance that separated one from another.
“Everybody did something today,” Carroll said. “Everybody took off on a run or made a catch or something.”
In other words — we’re going to have to wait to see who emerges. And that should be a wait well worth it.