Pete Carroll praises Devon Witherspoon’s awareness and flexibility

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The Seahawks rolled the dice with the fifth overall pick in the draft on a small but stout defensive back who plays with zero fear and a high instincts.

When last we saw Devon Witherspoon in game action, he was nothing short of dominant against the Giants, with six tackles, two sacks, and a 97-yard pick six that cemented the 24-3 win.

On Wednesday, Seattle coach Pete Carroll praised Witherspoonā€™s awareness and his flexibility, given that he thrived in his first stint playing inside, as the nickel cornerback.

ā€œHe had been working there for some time,ā€ Carroll told reporters. ā€œWe started way back; we had a plan for this. Heā€™s been kind of waiting for us to cut him loose, really. He was ready, he was backing up at the spot and it was just a matter of time before we would check it out. He hit it with a big splash and looked great. There is so much future for him there to continue to figure stuff out and use his awareness. Itā€™s a noticeable accomplishment for a first-year guy, limited opportunities, limited in the springtime as well, to be able to be this comfortable with it. Heā€™s a unique player.ā€

Carroll said Witherspoon will continue to play outside and inside.

ā€œNot many guys can do that and do it effectively and be in command of it,ā€ Carroll said. ā€œI was noting today in the walkthrough some of the subtle things heā€™s aware of. Itā€™s surprising that he has that much awareness. He has so much room to grow.ā€

The performance reminded me of Ronde Barber. Carroll saw signs of another Hall of Famer.

ā€œTroy [Polamalu] was phenomenal playing at seeing stuff, analyzing, and heā€™s already halfway there,ā€ Carroll said. ā€œDevon has a real sense too. Both of them have the confidence from wherever that comes from, from their history of always having a sense, and then the plays that they made since they were little kids that gives them the confidence to go ahead and take off and take their shots.ā€

In a visit last week with #PFTPM, linebacker Bobby Wagner offered similar praise.

ā€œHeā€™s been such a tremendous player for us,ā€ Wagner said of Witherspoon. ā€œHeā€™s so smart, a very physical corner. Loves to hit, loves to come up and tackle on the run. Also can make plays in the passing game and I really just feel like heā€™s starting to understand like how good he can be in this league and how easy it is when you study and put the work in.ā€

Thatā€™s the key. Combining the God-given talent with the work. Witherspoon is doing it, and itā€™s already paying off. The next test comes on Sunday, at the Bengals.

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