DT Jaye Howard will compete in 2013

[Jville]

One of the players who really stood out today was second-year pro Jaye Howard. Pete Carroll said the University of Florida product was active for just two games his rookie season. But he put on 15 pounds of good weight during the offseason, and is now playing at 6-3 and 301 pounds.
Along with playing 3-tech, Howard also worked with the second unit at 5-tech, and practically lived in the backfield during 9-on-7 and team drills.
Quinn said the advantage Howard has is that he’s still quick off the ball at 300 pounds. Quinn also said that Howard played some defensive end in a 3-4 system the year prior to his arrival at Florida, and Quinn also ran some 3-4 while serving as the defensive coordinator for the Gators, with Howard playing some defensive end and some defensive tackle.
“When we gathered, we thought, ‘That guy’s (Howard) got real strong hands,’” Quinn said. “And that’s one of the things we look for at that position for a guy who can take on a tackle, and hold it at the end of the line. So that’s why we’re going to take a look at it at this camp.”

Read more here: http://blog.thenewstribune.com/seahawks ... more-17992#storylink=cpy

There is also an excellent Dan Quinn video press conference at seahawks.com[urltargetblank]http://www.seahawks.com/videos-photos/videos/Dan-Quinn-Training-Camp-Press-Conference/e3174d7c-7535-414a-9280-15453713e968[/urltargetblank]

 

[Hawkfan77]

Love it.

I was a huge fan of the pick last year and was disappointed that nothing happened with him last year. With Quinn on board and Howard putting in some serious effort, this could be a real nice addition to the DL that most wrote off already.

 

[kearly]

It's worth noting that Howard was considered a disappointment at Florida until his final season where he tallied 5.5 sacks. That was his first and only season with then newly arrived DC Dan Quinn. I'm guessing that Seattle drafted Howard fairly early (a lot of people called it a reach, which is debatable) in no small part because of an endorsement from Quinn. So yeah, Howard is one of the players I am most interested in following this preseason.

FWIW, I thought Howard showed real promise as a pass rusher last year, but he was so awful against the run that you wondered how he'd ever see the field. To hear that he's added 15 pounds and still has the quickness he had before is very encouraging.

I really hope that Howard can grow into being a non liability against the run, because his pass rush skillset is exactly what we've been searching for this offseason from the interior. The only thing tempering my excitement is that Howard kind of looked like a guy that sold out to rush the passer last year. In other words, size might not have been his problem- he was sacrificing the run game to get more as a rusher. That said, if he could learn to respect both facets of the game without selling out while not losing any pass rush effectiveness, I think he could become the next Rocky Bernard.

 

[NorthDallas40oz]

Versatility will be the key for any DL's moving forward, particularly the backups, when it comes to making this team. The fact that Howard is now repping at the 5-tech DE spot and acclimating well only enhances his chances of having a real future here.

 

[Seafan]

He may not make the team but I'm glad to see him making some noise in this camp. He and Toomer have been absolutely silent since being drafted. Thought we had another couple EJ Wilsons.

 

[TeamoftheCentury]

Thanks for the OP. Interestingly, one of his former High School football coaches (who is now coaching one of my sons) was just talking to me about Jaye Howard today (since he knows I'm a Seahawks fan.) I will look forward to sharing this more promising news with him now the next team practice I can attend.

 

[ivotuk]

Gave up on him long ago, just don't see a "football player" there. Hope he proves me wrong.

 

[Lynch Mob]

I was wondering how Howard was doing i'd much rather take him over Mcdonald assuming thats who he is battling for a spot on the roster. But i'am hoping he is a solid contributor and earns a roster spot.

 

[Largent80]

The Quinn factor is going to have a positive effect methinks.

 

[Jville]

Another interesting write up today (7-30) on Jaye Howard via Eric D. Williams

"I've been watching Big Red's film everyday, and I'm trying to play like him," Howard said. "He's physical at the point of the attack, and I'm just trying to add that to my game. I've become more of student of the game."

"That's a spot we felt that he could compete at," Seattle defensive line coach Travis Jones said about Howard playing defensive end. "He's got a really strong upper body, and really strong hands. He understands how to strike and knock people back. He's made some good progress. I'm really pleased with the way he's started with the position."

"The schemes that we run here now are the same schemes we ran at Florida," Howard said. "I also played D-end at Florida when he (Quinn) was there, so it's kind of helping the transition.

Link >>> [urltargetblank]http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20130730/SPORTS/707309955[/urltargetblank]

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Nope, he'll comPETE