By Russell Wilson on Competing for the Starting Job in Seattle and Why his Height Won’t Slow Him Down
May 16, 2012 – 10:30 am by Brad Gagnon
You’d think that as the prize of the Seahawks’ offseason, Matt Flynn would be locked in as the starter for the 2012 season in the Seattle. But early indications are that Flynn will have to earn his No. 1 spot on the quarterback depth chart, as veteran Tarvaris Jackson and rookie third-round pick Russell Wilson apply as much practice pressure as possible.
Seahawks rookie quarterback Russell Wilson joined Jon Arias on The Big 1070 in Madison to discuss the draft process, his height (or lack thereof) and the quarterback competition that is apparently about to go down in the Pacific Northwest.
On if he was surprised he was chosen in the third round after lots of prognosticators had him going later in the draft:
“No, I wasn’t surprised at all. I’d talked to several teams and they thought I could go in the second or third round, and talent-wise I had all the talent in the world and just, the only knock on me was my height. Obviously if you’ve seen throughout my career and playing at the University of Wisconsin being behind those big offensive linemen, the height’s not a factor. And that’s just what I had to show teams, and I put it on tape. And that’s what I kept telling teams: ‘Just watch the tape and watch the way I play, I have a high, quick release.’ And when teams measured my arms and my hands and everything, they were like, ‘Man, this kid’s got arms of a 6-5 quarterback.’ That’s part of it. That definitely helps me. And just knowing the game, just playing smart football. And so it’s a blessing to be drafted by the Seahawks, it’s a great situation.”
On why the height criticism doesn’t bother him:
“It makes it that much more unique and that much more cool in terms of the fact that I can play at a high level that I play at 5-11. And that’s the thing about it. And I think that’s something that I definitely embrace.”
On head coach Pete Carroll stating that he has a chance to compete for the starting job:
“I’m excited about it. I mean, the key for me is just getting there and learning, getting around the guys and just being who I am. And not changing, just competing at the highest level that I can possibly compete at. Learn as much as I can from (Matt) Flynn and (Tarvaris) Jackson and it’ll be a great experience. And just do whatever it takes to win games. I think that’s the mentality you have to go into it, and I’m a relentless competitor so I’ll definitely be competing at the highest that I can and just doing what I have to do.”
Listen to Russell Wilson on The Big 1070 here
Tags: 2012 NFL Draft, NFC West, NFL, Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks, Wisconsin
3 Responses to “Russell Wilson on Competing for the Starting Job in Seattle and Why his Height Won’t Slow Him Down”
This is my guy. I have watched every game of his college career and have basically charted his QB play throughout. I can say that Russell Wilson does everything better than Andrew Luck and everything but the deep ball, better than RG3. He exudes confidence and his football IQ is equal to Luck’s and RG3 and his leadership skills exceed them both. Seattle got the real deal. As a Panthers fan, I look forward to seeing him play. He may not start, but if he ever gets in a game. The real starter will have a he.ll of a time getting back in.
By qdog112 on May 17, 2012
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May 16, 2012: Russell Wilson not bothered by the criticism of his height – Pro Football Zone
May 18, 2012: Seahawks.com Blog | Friday cyber surfing: Thomas, Baldwin looking to build on last season «
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