By now you’ve heard that Seahawks starting tight end Zach Miller had ankle surgery, which means a bigger role for Luke Willson, but did you know that Miller is also Seattle’s backup long snapper in the event something should happen to Clint Gresham in a game?
Well because of that, Willson was trying his hand as a long snapper at the end of practice.
“That’s Zach’s job, so we were doing a little tryout over there,” he said.
Asked how it went, Willson said. “I don’t know. Probably not the greatest, but we’ll get better. It’s been a while.”
Here’s more of what Willson had to say about taking over for Miller:
(On stepping in as the starter this week with Zach Miller out) Last year there were a couple weeks where Zach [Miller] was out, so it’s one of those things where, when you’re the backup guy, you kind of always want to prepare for it. I’ve been here practicing and we rotate so it’s one of those things where, I don’t really feel like I’m entering new territory.
(On his role as a Tight End now vs. when Zach Miller is starting) I think a lot of it is Zach, he’s so mentally strong, he’s a pro’s pro and just his veteran leadership is something, being a young guy I’m going to have to try and step up as much as I can. Like I said, I’ve got to step up and get the job done.
(On how different of a player does he feel now from last year) Oh big time. Especially when it comes to recognizing defensive fronts and just being comfortable with technique, especially in the run game, but I feel like it’s kind of like night and day.
(On having just one catch through three games) Some on the games have worked out that way. I’ve just got to be patient. I always feel like my time’s coming. That’s the thing about our offense; it’s really never one guy. One day it’s Percy, one day it’s Doug, one day it’s Kearse, that’s just kind of how we operate as an offense.
(On him progressing as a blocker) I think from when I first got here I’ve made a lot of strides. For me, it’s one of those things where I’ve just got to run my feet after contact. I feel like I’ve really improved and I’ve done a pretty good job.
(On significance of Zach Miller’s injury) I know he was struggling in the Denver game a bit and just talking to him, it was pretty painful. I think he played 71 (of 78) snaps on that ankle which, little things like that, guys kind of overlook, just pretty remarkable. I saw him out there struggling but he was fighting and he’ll be back this year and I’ve got to hold down the fort until he comes back.
(On Cooper Helfet) I think Coop’s healthy and he’s a guy that has really been working hard. We’ve got a pretty tight group of tight ends so I really think you’ll see him out there. He’s able to do a lot of things so it’ll be kind of cool to see Coop out there really contributing.
(On excitement for Cooper Helfet getting a chance to play) Definitely; I think he’s excited too. You see a guy that comes out here; I was just thinking last year there were times where he would come out here and play every offensive scouting snap and every defensive scouting snap and he was very good at both and it was one of those things where he was always kind of a work horse. He came out here and gave 110% every day and didn’t complain about it. You see, obviously he made the 53 [roster] early and got a little dinged up, but he’s healed up now it’s pretty cool, from being away, to see how far he’s come since I’ve been here.
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