The Seahawk were back at it Monday, holding another round of optional organized team activities. Among those absent was LB Leroy Hill, who continues to be away from the team pending his domestic violence case. Also missing today was right tackle Sean Locklear, and when asked about his absence, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said he wasn’t sure why Locklear wasn’t there.
Locklear’s absence appears to stem from a good cause, however. The Overlake Service League lists Locklear on its website as the celebrity chair of a charity golf tournament that was going on today.
As for the players who were on the field, a few observations from today’s practice:
Rookie WR Golden Tate turned in the highlight of the day, going over three defensive backs for a leaping catch on a deep pass—probably 50 or so yards—from Charlie Whitehurst.
Tate also had his struggles today, however, something both he and Carroll were quick to point out after practice. Still, even as he adjusts to the NFL, Tate’s physical abilities are impressive.
Newly signed quarterback J.P. Losman was on the field for the first time as a Seahawk, taking limited reps as the third quarterback. Losman didn’t do a whole lot—and his first pass in team drills was batted down at the line of scrimmage—but even seeing a few throws it’s not hard to notice the arm strength that made the former Buffalo starter a first-round pick in 2004.
WR Deon Butler was as involved in the offense as I’ve noticed this preseason, making a number of catches.
The running back battle will be an interesting one to watch this offseason. Between last year’s top to backs, Julius Jones and Justin Forsett, and the two acquired in draft-day trades, LenDale White and Leon Washington, the Seahawks will eventually have some decisions to make. Forsett stood out the most today.
Matt Hasselbeck decided to play official as well as quarterback towards the end of practice. CB Chris Richards made a nice diving catch to intercept a Hasselbeck pass intended for Butler, but Hasselbeck thought there was contact before the catch, and threw his towel in the air in protest of the non-call.
The end of practice was a bit of a USC reunion with UW coach Steve Sarkisian on hand to watch his former boss and few of his former players. After practice, Sarkisian chatted with Carroll, as well as former Trojans Mike Williams and LenDale White.
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