Seahawks RB Chris Carson on routine that kept him fumble-free in college
Aug 16, 2017, 5:00 PM
RB Chris Carson had a promising debut for the Seahawks before injuring his leg in 2017. (AP)
(AP)
There has been plenty of buzz surrounding running back Chris Carson at Seahawks training camp, and the rookie added to the excitement with a two-touchdown performance in Seattle’s 48-17 preseason win over the Chargers.
Just ahead of his second appearance in the preseason, Carson sat down with 710 ESPN Seattle’s “Danny, Dave and Moore” to talk about the advice he is getting from Seahawks veterans and his unique approach that helped him avoid fumbles in college.
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One praise of Carson’s play coming out of college was for his fumble record through two years at Oklahoma State: zero.
It wasn’t always the case, though. Carson fumbled eight times in his junior college season. He practiced a unique routine to improve his ball-handling skills after that year.
“We had water jug footballs, so I used to carry that around. (It) made me build up strength in my forearms and my biceps,” Carson said. “And then occasionally I’d have somebody come in, try to knock it out randomly, and then if I didn’t (hang on) I had to pay them.”
Coming to the NFL has been a dream for Carson, who has aspired to play in the league since he was young. Growing up, Carson was a fan of Steelers running back Willie Parker, but he followed another player after taking up safety in high school: Seahawks Pro Bowler Kam Chancellor.
“Just being around those types of players,” he said, “seeing people at the highest level and at the top of their game, it’s just a blessing to be right next to them.”
Perhaps it’s the same type of toughness exuded by Carson, though, that prompted Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll to issue high praise for the seventh-round pick.
“I fell in love with how tough he is, and how aggressive he is,” Carroll said of Carson following the draft.
It’s the kind of feedback that makes Carson want to prove himself in camp.
“That’s just a blessing, somebody like him to say something so positive about me,” Carson said. “I want to live up to the expectation he has of me, so I just want to go in and work harder.”
Listen to Chris Carson’s complete interview with “Danny, Dave and Moore” above.
