Do you know who plays long snapper for the Seahawks?
It’s 39-year-old free agent Jeff Robinson, and he has played with the ‘Hawks for the last 19 games, but not for much longer. At 39, he is set to retire, and the Seahawks are bringing in free-agent LS Mike Leach this week in hopes of signing him.
While the LS might be the most anonymous player on the team, he can also be the most infamous when something like this happens:
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That botched snap came from now defunct LS Boone Stutz. In 2007, every time the Seahawks had to try a field goal or punt, the 12th Man would hold its collective breath.
Things were eventually shored up at the position after the Seahawks wooed Robinson out of retirement, but Robinson may not be around this year. The Seahawks drafted LS Tyler Schmitt, but he was immediately placed on injured reserve when the team discovered his serious back problems.
Leach is visiting the Cardinals today and should be in Seattle sometime this week. So who is Leach and can we trust him with long snapping duties?
Leach, 32, is a converted tight end, who hasn't caught a single pass since entering the league in 2000. This offseason, he was released by the Broncos after they signed another long snapper, one of the best in the league in Lonie Paxton.
Leach played with the Broncos for 6 1/2 seasons and rarely, if ever, missnapped a ball. Here are some comments about him from a couple of esteemed publication.
Denver Post
Anybody in Bronco-land remember a bad snap the past 6 1/2 seasons?Sports Illustrated
...he runs on and off virtually unnoticed and handles the pressure with ease. Says Leach, "I've just never let the moment get to me."
It would appear that Leach is the real deal when it comes to long snapping, and the Seahawks would be well-served signing him.
GM Tim Ruskell probably learned his lesson from the Stutz era (or error).
Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
