According to The News Tribune in Tacoma, Washington, Canadian University star Jesse Lumsden is drawing lots of attention at Seahawks training camp.
Burlington, Ontario native Lumsden, whose 4.5 second forty speed enabled him to rush for 1,816 yards and capture the 2004 Hec Crighton trophy, has made a statement both with his skills and with the crowds of Canadian reporters covering his every move.
According to the News Tribune, Lumsden is being tried as a kickoff returner. He has shown good hands (despite bobbling one notable kickoff) and has impressed with his ability to run with his pads out in front.
"This is what I've worked my whole life for, so I'm not going to let it slip away easily. I can promise you that. I plan on sticking around," Lumsden told News Tribune reporter Dave Boling. "I'm learning a lot of things and making a few mistakes and trying to correct them. That's part of being a rookie. You just can't mess up too many times or they'll give you a plane ticket home."
Highlights of the camp so far for Lumsden include a touchdown scored during goal line drills, a nice breakaway run during scrimmage, and dinner at the home of teammate and fellow CIS grad J.P. Darche (the team's long snapper).
"Jesse and I came up the hard way, through Canadian schools, and that's a lot different," Darche told the News Tribune's Boling. "I followed him (Jesse) through the internet. He was incredible (at MacMaster). He's a great kid; I hope he makes it."
