A recap of the day’s activities at the Seahawks’ OTA

Published on June 8, 2010 by     

Isaiah Stanback. During his post-practice session with reporters, coach Pete Carroll said the team would continue to look at any player “with unique qualities.”

Right on cue, Stanback walked by.

“Is Isaiah Stanback one of those ‘unique’ guys?” Carroll was asked.

“Without question,” Carroll said.

That’s why the Seahawks claimed the former University of Washington quarterback off waivers from the New England Patriots last week. Stanback, who also played at Garfield High School, joins an already crowded – and competitive – situation at wide receiver. But he also could help in a pinch at quarterback and was used as a kickoff returner in his stints with the Patriots as well as the Dallas Cowboys, who selected Stanback in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL draft.

Stanback is no stranger to Carroll, who recruited him while coaching at the University of Southern California, worked with him at football camps and also coached against him after Stanback opted to play for the Huskies.

“I’ve had great respect for his ability – his all-around around athletic ability, his terrific speed and explosion,” Carroll said. “I haven’t seen him play much in the last couple of years, but I’m anxious just to fit him in and see what he offers us.

“He’s a unique player, yes.”

One who is in a unique position. Waived by the Patriots, Stanback wasn’t sure what to expect. Then he was claimed by his hometown team.

“It was crazy,” Stanback said. “I was privileged to go to New England and play out there for a year, which was a good situation. Then they brought some other guys in, and it’s a business. I’d be happy to get an opportunity to play anywhere, but it’s great to have an opportunity to come home.

“It was awesome.”

Make that, uniquely awesome.

ROOKIE WATCH

Dexter Davis. The seventh-round choice from Arizona State has linebacker size (6-1, 244), but was listed as a defensive end after being selected in the April draft. Today, however, he worked with the linebackers during practice and then stayed out after the 95-minute session to get extra work with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and starting strong-side ‘backer Aaron Curry.

“We’re just trying to find a place where we can evaluate him more,” Bradley said.

Dexter had been working at the pass-rushing “Leo” end spot, but the team already has Chris Clemons, Nick Reed and Ricky Foley filling that position. By moving to linebacker, Dexter is getting third-unit reps behind Curry and Anthony Heygood.

“He has shown some flashes, and we know he can rush,” Bradley said of Davis, who had 31 sacks in 50 starts at ASU. “So if he can play that (strong-side) linebacker spot for us – he’s athletic enough – that would give him another role in addition to being a nickel rusher.”

Tags: 2007 Nfl Draft, Arizona State, Athletic Ability, coach pete carroll, Dallas Cowboys, Football Camps, Garfield High School, Hometown Team, Huskies, Isaiah Stanback, Kickoff Returner, New England Patriots, nfl draft, Practice Session, Seahawks, Size 6, Stints, Terrific Speed, University Of Southern California, Wide Receiver