Seattle drafted a quarterback this year for the first time since selecting Russell Wilson in 2012. With their final pick, the Seahawks snagged Alex McGough out of Florida International in the seventh round.
Since Wilson is firmly at the helm as the team’s starter, Pete Carroll and his staff have time to dedicate to McGough’s development. He hasn’t disappointed yet.
“Probably the surprise of the day was Alex,” Carroll said Friday after the Seahawks rookies wrapped up their first day of practice. “I thought Alex did a very nice job. He showed really good arm strength. We know that he’s very mobile. He showed a lot of mobility out of him – he got chased a lot last year on film so we know that he can move around and make things happen.”
The young quarterback had the chance to address the media at the podium Saturday afternoon and was immediately asked about Carroll’s high praise for his first outing.
“Yeah, that’s lovely,” McGough answered. “I respect Coach Carroll and for him to say that puts a smile on my face and made me want to work even harder.”
McGough will have to fight for a spot on the 53-man roster, like the rest of the Seahawks rookies, and will be battling veterans Austin Davis and Stephen Morris for the backup position going forward. But it’s Wilson he’s most focused on for now.
