Quietly-impressive Seahawks rookie Amara Darboh has chance to make a splash Sunday
Aug 9, 2017, 3:21 PM
Seahawks WR Amara Darboh, a 2017 third-round pick, was waived by the team Saturday. (AP)
(AP)
Seahawks rookie wide receiver Amara Darboh is used to Pete Carroll’s high-energy style.
He has never worked with Seattle’s head coach before, but he spent two years at Michigan learning under Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh.
“They preach competing,” Darboh said when asked about similarities between the two coaches. “They’re both energetic players’ coaches.”
News, videos and updates from Day 8 of Seahawks training camp
The Seahawks’ 6-feet-2, 214-pound third-round pick has been learning plenty during his first eight days of training camp. But because Michigan ran a pro-style offense, the system itself hasn’t been a huge adjustment.
“He has definitely run the routes that are similar to the things we’re doing,” Carroll said of Darboh’s experience in the pro-style. “That style of offense that they have there at Michigan, it definitely carries over.”
Carroll, who praised Darboh’s blocking and willingness to study, says the rookie will be able to play both X and Z receiver by the end of camp. Darboh played primarily X at Michigan, where he led the team in receiving yards (862) and touchdowns (seven) his senior season.
Darboh spoke with reporters after practice Wednesday (“How did rookies get up there?” defensive end Michael Bennett yelled nearby) about the new lessons he is learning. A few of those lessons are even coming from players on the other side of the ball.
“One of the first 1-on-ones I went (on), I think I was a little too excited.” Darboh said. “I was going a little too fast on my release, and then (Richard Sherman) told me to just be patient. I think all the DBs try to help the younger guys and everyone on the offense, because they know in return it’s going to make the whole team better.”
Fans may not be as familiar with Darboh heading into the preseason, but 710 ESPN Seattle’s Brock Huard said Darboh has been quietly proving his case.
“Going into the draft I felt like because of where he came from, because of the system he came out of, that he would be unselfish, that would be able to pick up the system and he has,” Huard said on the Blue 42 segment of “Brock and Salk” Tuesday.
“And while he’s not flashed and you’ve not seen him making diving grabs or going up and making one-handed plays, he’s been at the right spot at the right time. We see the practices, we don’t see the walkthroughs… because those walkthroughs aren’t just walking, there is really good pace to those, and he is nailing it at every single turn. Gaining some of that trust, of being in the right place, and if you know Russell… if you’re in the right spot for him, he’s going to deliver, he’s going to give you the chance”
It would appear Darboh also knows that kind of timing can give him a shot.
“(Russell Wilson) can throw you open, I think that’s the biggest thing,” Darboh said. “He’ll see if the DBs (are) playing over top, throw the back shoulder. As you guys know, with the scramble drill he’ll find you, find a pocket anywhere, and then it’s on you to keep moving and he’ll find you.”
Darboh will get his first chance Sunday when the Seahawks take on the Chargers in Los Angeles to open the preseason.
“I’m very excited. I’m very excited to get my first NFL game under my belt, and use all the things I’ve been learning on the field from players and use that on game day and get that NFL atmosphere.”
