Everett, Wash.
Published: Friday, June 12, 2009

Seahawks find second-round pick Max Unger is a quick study on the offensive line

A center in college, Unger also is getting work at left guard in Seattle's minicamp

By John Boyle
Herald Writer

 RENTON -- When Seahawks rookies participated in their first minicamp last month, second-round draft pick Max Unger, a center in college, was practicing at left guard.

Seahawks coach Jim Mora said that Unger would stick with guard for a while so as to get comfortable at one position.

Apparently the University of Oregon product is a quick study, because in this week's minicamp, the team's second since the draft, Unger is getting work in at both left guard and at center.

"We're pleased with the way he is developing and learning and performing on the practice field," offensive line coach Mike Solari said. "It's a different animal when you go in pads, but again we're really pleased with where he's at right now. We're pleased with his ability to learn and comprehend the offense."

Unger has still worked primarily at guard, playing on the left side with the second-team offense, but he has also played center with the No. 3 offense.

Unger, who played tackle when he started his college career then moved to center, said he doesn't have a preference of where he'll play, simply that he'll go wherever he can help the team and get on the field.

Minicamp No. 2 is going better than last month's for Unger, but life in the NFL is still a challenge.

"It's a little bit better," he said. "It's a lot of stuff to digest, so it's going to take a while, but easier now than it was last time."

While there are similarities between the interior line positions, Unger said playing guard for the first time is a lot different than his time at center. His line coach agrees that the switch is no easy task.

"It's very hard at this level, because you're trying to master a technique," Solari said. "There are so many calls, so many adjustments you have to make, so you're trying to master it and it's really hard, because it's different. At center the defensive line is right on your nose, at guard it's a little bit off, the footwork is different, it's different hand placement. It's different."

Given that he is a rookie and that he has so much to learn, Unger is modest when asked about the impact he hopes to have.

"I'd like to (play right away), but I don't know if I'm ready for that quite yet," he said. "Right now probably not. It's just one of those things where there is so much stuff you have to sift through, and these vets, they're very, very good. We'll see what happens."

Solari, however, thinks Unger's versatility could help him earn playing time sooner rather than later. With roster limitations, only a limited number of linemen can suit up for games, so being able to play two positions will help Unger's case.

"Your backup linemen have to have versatility," Solari said. "Until you establish yourself as a starter, you have to have the versatility to play more than one position. . . He has what it takes to compete for that spot, and that's what we're trying to do here is give him as much as he can handle so he can be ready to compete."

OPEN PRACTICES DURING TRAINING CAMP

The Seahawks will allow fans to attend practices during training camp between Aug. 3 and Aug. 20, but those interested in doing so must register at seahawks.com. The registration process begins July 16 at 10 a.m. Practice times will be announced in mid-July.

Herald Writer John Boyle: jboyle@heraldnet.com.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA