The Apple Cup – the annual game between the University of Washington and Washington State University – is set to kick off at 1:00 p.m. on Friday.
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll wouldn’t offer a prediction on the game itself, but he expects a good game between the two 6-5 teams.
“I wouldn’t know how to call that one,” Carroll said on Wednesday. “It’s going to be a really good game. I really don’t care who wins. I just hope it’s a really good game and they have a lot of fun.”
Recently, the Seahawks have shown a keen interest in drafting and signing local talent, which makes this game even more interesting for Seahawks fans – regardless of if they have a rooting interest in either squad.
Will Dissly and Ben Burr-Kirven are two recent draft picks out of the University of Washington, while recent players Darrell Daniels and Shalom Luani were both Washington State Cougars.
Although draft season is still a ways away, here is a look at four players who will play in the Apple Cup who could find their way into the blue and green next season.
Trey Adams, Tackle, Washington
Injury issues have hampered Adams in the past, which could keep him out of the first round and makes him an appealing second or third round target for a Seahawks team that will see both Germain Ifedi and George Fant head to free agency.
Adams is an imposing six-foot-seven figure with enough skills to handle a variety of pass rush techniques, although his lack of lateral quickness has some worried he won’t pick up blitz packages well.
Regardless, Adams would give Seattle added depth at the tackle position, which could be very necessary next year. Jamarco Jones has proven himself a capable guard, and if Seattle is able to add a player like Adams that gives them added flexibility if they are unable to return one or both of Ifedi and Fant.
Dezmon Patmon, Wide Receiver, Washington State
The Seahawks have long coveted big wide receivers, finally landing their dream concoction of size and speed with DK Metcalf in last year’s draft.
Metcalf, along with Josh Gordon and David Moore, gives Seattle a trio of tall receivers for Russell Wilson to target this season.
However, Gordon will be a free agent after this season and Moore has been inconsistent in his young career, and it’s not out of the question that Carroll and company will look to find another big receiver to add into the mix in the middle rounds.
Patmon has 48 receptions for 689 yards and seven touchdowns on the year, a key cog in WSU’s high-octane offensive attack this season. It’s not a clear area of need for Seattle, but with a multitude of picks next year they could target a player with his skill set.
Nick Harris, Guard, Washington
The Seahawks have likely seen the last of Justin Britt, their starting center, who is under contract through 2020 but is a cut candidate with a cap hit of over $11 million dollars next season.
Joey Hunt, Britt’s replacement while he recovers from ACL surgery, is set to hit free agency after this season, leaving Seattle with just Ethan Pocic next year if they move on from Britt.
Enter Harris. Harris is an undersized, athletic center with a high-football IQ and strong understanding of how to use his leverage to be successful.
He’s also played some guard in his career, giving him that flexibility that Carroll craves in his offensive linemen.
If Britt isn’t in the mix next year, don’t be surprise to see Seattle target a versatile center prospect in the draft – and Harris would be high on the watchlist.
Anthony Gordon, Quarterback, Washington State
The Seahawks prefer having veteran quarterbacks backup Russell Wilson – especially in recent years. That included cutting their most recent late round quarterback selection, Alex McGough, in favor of Brett Hundley two years ago.
That doesn’t necessarily point to them investing a draft pick in Washington State’ dynamic quarterback, Anthony Gordon, although with the high number of picks Seattle currently has it wouldn’t be shocking to see them use a pick to bring a young quarterback into camp.
Gordon has one of the best arms in all of college football, with absolutely staggering production this season – even for air raid standards.
Gordon’s footwork is suspect and Mike Leach’s offense does tend to inflate quarterback production, but the recent run of success by Gordon’s predecessor, Gardner Minshew, could give Pete Carroll and company some interest.
If Gordon’s value jumps into the middle rounds, expect Seattle to be out. However, if he falls similarly to where Minshew went last year, they could take a shot at him.
