LT Rees Odhiambo embracing the challenge of starting for Seahawks
Aug 31, 2017, 11:55 AM
Seahawks' LT Rees Odhiambo suffered a bruised sternum that left him hospitalized Sunday. (AP)
(AP)
The Seahawks’ preseason finale against the Raiders Thursday will see Rees Odhiambo get just his second start at left tackle, but it is a position — he promises – with which he is familiar.
“The best thing I can say is I know my job very well,” Odhiambo told 710 ESPN Seattle’s Danny, Dave and Moore. Playing at guard, for him, was much more foreign.
“And I know how to get things done … because most of the time I practice, I’m usually at left tackle. So I’m pretty familiar and comfortable with the position.”
That isn’t to say Odhiambo doesn’t recognize flaws in his game; he told reporters after the Seahawks’ preseason contest against the Chiefs that there were things he needed to work on and accepted responsibility for a third quarter sack of quarterback Russell Wilson. Overall, though, it was an impressive first start for a player who didn’t know he’d be in the role a month ago.
Odhiambo assumed the responsibility after starting left tackle George Fant was sidelined with an ACL tear in the second week of the preseason.
“That’s my guy. We’ve been here together (and) we’ve been working together all the time. We played in games last year together; we hang out outside of here a lot. I’m hoping he makes a full recovery.”
Odhiambo understands the trials of going through a rough surgery, having undergone surgery on one leg and suffering a broken ankle on the other.
“For a good two, three months I had a cast, and a boot and a scooter. So going into the whole rookie year, that was probably the hardest part. Having the power and the speed to keep going, because as the days kept on adding on I felt like I was getting slower at times, and I had to find different ways to work around that to make myself be better at recovering for the next day.”
The offensive line was informed of the new plan the day after Fant was injured. According to Odhiambo, coach Tom Cable told him to get ready and to show what he’s got — and so far, he’s embracing the challenge.
“Regardless of whatever position it is,” he said. “When you get an opportunity you go out there and do your best with it.”
