Pricey Rookies To Make Debut At Hawks Camp Springs, Jones To Practice With Second Team While Learning System

Students at Eastern Washington University are accustomed to living in dorms, eating at a dining hall and cramming for exams.

The newest millionaires in Cheney Seattle Seahawks’ first-round draft picks Shawn Springs and Walter Jones are about to do the same.

The duo ended their holdouts over the weekend and should be at today’s training-camp practice at 3, welcomed by 90-plus degree temperatures. Their first official tests likely will come when Seattle visits San Francisco on Saturday.

“They’ll be going to team meetings and extra meetings,” said head coach Dennis Erickson, who added that the two will work with the second team for now. Coaches also will administer numerous chalk-board sessions to speed up the twosome’s learning process.

Springs and Jones are behind after missing 18 days of training camp, particularly left tackle Jones, who must learn complicated protection and blocking schemes. Springs’ adjustment at cornerback shouldn’t be as difficult.

Both reportedly are in good condition, but Erickson wants to make sure they’re in “football shape.”

Video review

While it’s pointless to get riled up about a preseason win, Erickson was satisfied with most of what he saw in Seattle’s 34-6 pasting of Arizona on Saturday.

He lauded Seattle’s improved tackling and special teams play from a week ago against Minnesota.

The offensive execution was crisp. Quarterbacks John Friesz and Warren Moon each led touchdown drives. Friesz, intercepted on the first play against Minnesota, drove Seattle deep into Cardinals’ territory on the opening series before a bad snap prevented a field-goal attempt.

“The first series is always a key,” Erickson said.

Cornerback Fred Thomas rebounded after a shaky performance against Minnesota, said Erickson, who applauded the work of the first-unit defense. Backup linebackers Michael Barber and Jason Kyle also caught the coach’s eye.

Ouch update

Receiver Brian Blades (back) and running back Chris Warren (rib) suffered minor injuries and probably will miss some practice time this week, Erickson said.

More should be known today about offensive right tackle Howard Ballard’s practice schedule. Ballard, bothered by a sore right knee, might play against San Francisco, Erickson said. Grant Williams has taken the majority of snaps in Ballard’s absence.

, DataTimes