Russell Wilson: Coming on fast.
The Seattle Seahawks signed quarterback Matt Flynn as a free agent, expecting the former Green Bay Packer to be the starter for this season. Incumbent Tavaris Jackson was in the mix, too. But when they drafted Russell Wilson from Wisconsin, they did not expect that he would be more impressive than the veterans.
But sure enough, Wilson’s outstanding mini-camp has vaulted him into the mix with for the starting job. This comes from high authority: coach Pete Carroll.
After the mini-camp this week, Carroll said. “He’s showed us enough, He’s in the competition. And that’s going to tax us, as you know. It was already going to be taxing with two. But he’s shown us enough that we need to see where he fits in with these guys.”
While scouts raved about Wilson’s accuracy, arm strength and playmaking ability, many doubted the 5-foot-11 possessed the size to be a successful starter in the NFL. ESPN analyst and former Super Bowl-winning coach John Gruden disagreed, saying, “He’s going to prove you all wrong, you wait and see.”
Wilson – the grandson of former Norfolk State University president Harrison B. Wilson – took 500 snaps and threw approximately 400 passes over three days before officially placing Wilson in the starting QB race.
“I’m just going to be more patient than you can imagine as we go through this process, and we’ll just figure it out when we do,” Carroll said.
