The Seattle Seahawks 2019 rookie class has not been very active on offense or defense so far this season, although they’ve found ways to make big contributions on special teams — an area coach Pete Carroll hoped this group would help beef up.
No rookie has made more noise on special teams than Ugo Amadi, who made a name for himself in punt coverage for his ability to get down the field in a hurry and disrupt returns before they can even get started.
Amadi was selected out of the University of Oregon as a safety, but he can play nickel as well, making him a versatile weapon on defense.
Although he has yet to work himself into the crowded position battle at either of those spots, his effort on the special teams has certainly not gone unnoticed.
“We’ve seen him throughout preseason, when he had his real chances, to demonstrate the poise that it takes to make plays,” Carroll commented on Wednesday. “He’s made really good choices and he’s taken advantage of the opportunities like a player who thinks of himself as a guy that can make big plays. He’s not just out there going through the motions and just trying to hold on.”
Amadi also returned punts in college and a little in the preseason, and could potentially mix in at that spot this season as well.
For now, expect the playmaking special teamer to continue to have an important role for the Seahawks, and don’t be surprised if it grows as the season goes on.
