Seahawks minicamp notes: Prosise, other rookie RBs impress on day 3

Seahawks rookie running back C.J. Prosise impressed on the final day of Seattle's mandatory minicamp on Thursday, June 16, 2016. Seahawks rookie running back C.J. Prosise impressed on the final day of Seattle's mandatory minicamp on Thursday, June 16, 2016. Photo: Elaine Thompson/AP Photo: Elaine Thompson/AP Image 1 of / 48 Caption Close Seahawks minicamp notes: Prosise, other rookie RBs impress on day 3 1 / 48 Back to Gallery

RENTON -- Youth was served in the final day of the Seahawks' mandatory minicamp on Thursday, with Seattle's trio of rookie running backs standing out during another sunny day on the banks of Lake Washington.

Third-round pick C.J. Prosise, who missed all of organized team activities (OTAs) with a hip flexor issue, flashed top-end speed and explosive lateral movement in his second day of full participation with the team, which caught the notice of his head coach.

"He had a really good day today now," Pete Carroll said of Prosise after practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. "This was his best day as a Seahawk. He got some good reps, he got some open field to move, caught a couple balls really well."

Though sidelined for much of his rookie offseason, Prosise was evidently studying up on Seattle's offense, which showed once he finally had a chance to get on the field.

"He's worked really hard," Carroll said. "He knows his stuff. He knows his assignments pretty well for as many turns as he's had. He showed really good burst today. I can't wait to see the film. I thought it was a very good day for him."

Fifth-round pick Alex Collins -- who earned a lot of reps during OTAs with Prosise out -- continued to impress with a decisive, physical running style. He even flashed great hands on a long touchdown pass from Russell Wilson after beating SAM linebacker Cassius Marsh during team drills.

In limited reps, seventh-round pick Zac Brooks showed off a dramatic burst when hitting the hole.

Pro Bowl middle linebacker Bobby Wagner was among those enthusiastic about the rookies' performance.

"Man, I can't wait to see them play in the live game because their cuts are amazing. I like the way they cut, each one of them," Wagner said after practice. "I really like Alex, the way he's kind of hitting the hole and stuff like that. When we put the pads on, I'm looking forward to seeing that first preseason game and actually making someone miss. I think that they can do that."

Participation update

Defensive end Cliff Avril got the day off on Thursday, joining teammate Michael Bennett on the sidelines. Those two joined running back Thomas Rawls (ankle), tight end Jimmy Graham (knee), wide receivers Paul Richardson and Kenny Lawler (knee), tackle Garry Gilliam (knee), linebackers Montese Overton and Khairi Fortt and cornerback Tye Smith as non-participants.

Carroll said he "absolutely" expected Rawls and Graham to be ready for the start of the regular season, though he didn't know if either would be ready for the start of training camp in about six weeks.

Plays of the day

Wilson hooked up with wide receiver Tyler Lockett for a long touchdown early in practice. Lockett blew by the coverage of cornerback Richard Sherman along the sideline, and Wilson hit him in stride with a perfectly placed ball.

Shortly thereafter, Wilson connected with Kasen Williams for a touchdown after Williams split the coverage of cornerback Tharold Simon and safety Kelcie McCray.

Cornerback George Farmer had a nice pass breakup on a ball from Wilson to Lockett, but it was recently acquired linebacker Kyle Coleman who stole the show on Thursday.

Coleman had two interceptions off of third-string quarterback Jake Heaps, including one at the goal line when Coleman stepped in front of the intended receiver, snatched the ball and took off for what would have been a 100-yard return for a touchdown.

"Not just two picks," Wagner remarked after practice. "Two pick-sixes. He didn't get caught, so make sure y'all say that."

Coleman, an undrafted rookie out of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, signed with Seattle on June 2.

What's next?

The team now has six weeks off until the start of training camp, which should kick off on July 30, though the Seahawks have yet to announce the date.

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