Russell Wilson stakes claim to starting QB spot

Rookie Russell Wilson continues to stake a strong claim to the starting QB spot for the Seahawks. (AP image)

After his stellar showing in the Seahawks preseason opener against Tennessee, QB Russell Wilson staked a legitimate claim to the starting job. He threw for one touchdown and ran for another, and impressed plenty of people in the process.

And in an interview with Brock and Salk, Wilson made it clear the rookie isn’t about to sit back and settle for number two.

“I definitely believe in myself for sure . I know that I’ll do everything I can to prepare in the best way possible,” Wilson said.

Wilson is used to success as a QB at North Carolina State and Wisconsin despite standing just 5-11. Critics would argue he’s too small for the NFL and needs to run out of the pocket to complete passes.

But he told Brock and Salk he’s more than happy to stay put.

“I love to sit in the pocket. I’ll throw from there all day as long as I don’t get hit. It really doesn’t matter. I’ll do whatever it takes. I think that I have all the tools. My height doesn’t define my skill set,” Wilson says.

Wilson said the biggest change for him so far is the speed of the game. But practicing against one of the top defense’s in the NFL everyday has him feeling comfortable he can more than compete as a starter, even with such a steep learning curve.

“The way we practice is pretty awesome. You know we fly around, guys are really competitive,” he said.

Wilson said his biggest surprise is how much more mental the game is in the NFL. With the collective bargaining agreement limiting teams to one practice a day, there’s a lot more time spent in meetings.

“In college you get out there and you’re out there all day…In the pros we meet a lot more so it’s a lot more focus on the mental state of the game and everything, which is pretty cool for me especially playing the quarterback position.”

It would be easy for Wilson to get distracted considering all the talk of a quarterback controversy and the addition of Terrell Owens to the team. But he said Owens has been far more of a help than hindrance so far.

“I like whoever is going to help our team. I think the best thing about him is his work ethic and what he brings to the table in our meeting room with our wide receivers and quarterbacks and what he brings to the field, his energy,” Wilson said.

Regardless of where he ends up on the roster, Wilson insisted he isn’t doing anything different and will continue to approach his job as he always has.

“I try to be the same type of guy that gets here first and leaves last and tries to be a leader. Just work hard in the weight room be a great locker room guy, that’s the main thing.”