Everett, Wash.
Published: Monday, August 11, 2008

Big impact from little-known guys

A number of players that Seahawks fans may not be familiar with had strong showings Saturday. But will they make the team?

By Scott M. Johnson
Herald Writer

 KIRKLAND -- The last three times Howard Green went to an NFL training camp, his adventures ended with the dreaded pink slip.

The Seattle Seahawks' 29-year-old defensive tackle is doing everything he can to make sure this time is different.

Green is one of several Seahawks who made a serious impression on their coaches during Friday's preseason opener. Green, Jason Babin, David Hawthorne, Jamar Adams and Trent Shelton are making names for themselves as of late.

After Friday's performances, Seahawks fans may well be asking: Who are these guys?

n Defensive tackle Howard Green: While he spent the final three months of the 2007 season on the Seahawks' roster, local fans shouldn't be ashamed for not knowing Green's name. He signed with Seattle in October and played in just five games -- all as a reserve.

Green entered the 2008 training camp with long odds of making the roster again, due in part to the presence of veterans Rocky Bernard, Brandon Mebane, Craig Terrill and Larry Tripplett ahead of him. But Green has had a good camp, and his five-tackle, two-sack, one-interception performance in Friday's 34-17 win over Minnesota proved that he's ready to push for a roster spot.

"He's done some things in scrimmages and practice, so he didn't really surprise us," defensive coordinator John Marshall said of Green's Friday performance. "But he's pleased us."

Green, who played two seasons with New Orleans before getting cut by the Saints (in 2005), the Miami Dolphins (in 2006) and the Vikings (in 2007), said he's ready to make the most of his latest opportunity.

"I never gave up on my career and my dreams," he said.

Said coach Mike Holmgren: "You kind of root for guys like Howard."

n Defensive end Jason Babin: Like Green, Babin spent most of the 2007 season on Seattle's roster. But the only reason to remember him comes from the fact that he was the player received from Houston in the Michael Boulware trade. Babin spent 14 games on the inactive list last season, a healthy scratch for almost every game.

This season, Babin looks more ready to contribute. He's spent 21/2 hours per day in the weight room while also taking some dietary tips from teammate Patrick Kerney on how to bulk up. He's gone from 255 pounds to 270, and now the former linebacker looks ready to be a full-time contributor at defensive end.

"You could say I've got a little chip on my shoulder," said Babin, who had four tackles and a sack in the Minnesota game. "But I felt like I had my best offseason. My mother tells me that everything happens for a reason, and maybe that's what needed to happen."

n Linebacker David Hawthorne: The undrafted rookie from Texas Christian University was so lightly regarded that one draft guide -- NFLDraftScout.com -- ranked him as its 80th prospect at outside linebacker. Linebackers from programs like Liberty, Clark, Wheaton, Indiana State and even Central Washington were ranked ahead of him.

"I don't know what the knock was," Seattle's Marshall said this week. "We thought he was a good football player."

The 6-foot, 240-pound Hawthorne looks like quite a prospect now. He has packed quite a wallop in his first NFL training camp, and after Hawthorne forced two fumbles in Friday's win over the Vikings, his chances of making the roster may have improved exponentially.

n Safety Jamar Adams: Like Hawthorne, Adams did not hear his name called in the April draft. But the difference with the Michigan safety was that he was actually on a lot of draft lists.

"It was a long weekend," he said. "Some reports said I might possibly go in the second round."

The 6-2, 212-pound Adams has impressed the Seahawks with his size and intelligence -- so much so that a roster spot might be within reach.

"After the draft, I didn't care why I didn't get drafted," he said. "That wasn't a factor anymore. It was about moving on, doing what I had to do so that I would be ready for camp.

"I knew, as an undrafted player, I wouldn't have too many opportunities. So I wanted to make the best of every one."

n Wide receiver Trent Shelton: As a rookie in 2007, Shelton made the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad. The Colts opted not to re-sign him, and now he's starting over again.

"It kind of hit me by surprise, but I think everything happens for a reason," he said. "It's better here. I like the city better, I like the coaches better and I like the organization. I'll take it as a blessing."

Shelton has made the most of his opportunity, especially in the past week. He has really come on, although Shelton's chances of making the Seahawks' roster are still pretty slim.

The Baylor University product capped off a solid week of practice by scoring a touchdown in Friday's game.

"Last year, the same thing happened in the first (preseason) game," he said. "I was real excited last year. But now I know you have to keep pushing."

Shelton is one of five Seahawks who made the most of their first opportunity under the Friday night lights. If they're going to have a shot at sticking around, the roster hopefuls will have to continue making the preseason their time to shine.

"Every game is like the Super Bowl to us," Shelton said. "We're out there having fun and trying to show the coaches what you can do.

"If it doesn't work out here, you've got a whole lot of other teams watching."
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA