Seahawks rookie QB earns raving reviews from Pete Carroll
Rookie free agent Holton Ahlers continues to impress the Seattle Seahawks.
When the Seattle Seahawks added rookie free-agent quarterback Holton Ahlers to the position group, they were expecting him to be like any other rookie free-agent quarterback signing. The only problem is he hasn't been.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll has been impressed with what Ahlers has to offer, and he let as much be known recently when speaking to reporters.
“He seems really confident in himself and he’s got some transitions to make because our style is different than what they played,” Carroll said. “They were coming up with plays off the sidelines all the time. No huddle and all that. But he’ll be fine with it. He’s making transitions… But he’s exciting because it’s kind of like the intangibles that you know are there because you’ve been successful for a long time at the position.”
Ahlers wrapped up his tenure at East Carolina as the school's all-time leader in passing yards (13,927), total offensive yards (15,373), passing touchdowns (97), and total touchdowns (122).
Despite his college success, Ahlers wasn't drafted but the Seahawks circled back, giving him a shot during rookie minicamp to prove if he belongs. And as it turns out, he does.
Part of his success has to do with his pedigree. Ahlers finished his high school career ranked third all-time in state history in passing yards, second all-time in total offense, and third all-time for total touchdowns, including 75 combined scores as a senior. His accomplishments were so impressive, it forced Carroll to gush about what the rookie is capable of.
“In his senior year in high school, he threw 61 touchdown passes,” Carroll bragged. “Come on. You never heard of anybody throwing 61 touchdowns. And I think he ran for 14 or 15 too, and he’s been throwing touchdowns ever since.”
Ahlers may never be a household name at the NFL level. But he is already impressing Carroll with everything from potential to intangibles.
