The newest Seattle Seahawks receiver is still relatively new to the sport of football.
Levi Wentz was a standout basketball player in high school before embarking on what he called a “fun experiment” in his senior year, trying out for the football team. Wentz picked up the sport quickly, earning a college scholarship and a standout career that has now earned him a spot on Seattle’s 90-man roster.
Levi Wentz Starts NFL Journey With the Seahawks
The Kansas football team announced that Wentz had signed with the Seahawks, giving him a chance to audition for a spot on the final 53-man roster.
Wentz started his career as a linebacker at Old Dominion, but converted to wide receiver in his second season. He saw limited action, appearing in just three games and making one reception for 42 yards. Wentz transferred to Kansas for his senior season and played a bigger role in the offense, making 16 receptions for 258 yards and two touchdowns.
As Wentz told the Kansas Jayhawks website, football was not initially even a thought for him in high school.
“I started playing my senior year of high school. It started out as a fun experiment, but I fell in love right away,” he told the site.
Wentz will likely compete for a spot on the practice squad, though the Seahawks have been known to keep undrafted free agents on the final 53-man roster.
Seahawks Make Other Wide Receiver Additions
The Seahawks have made some other additions to their wide receiver room, including undrafted rookie Michael Briscoe from Cal Poly.
They also used a sixth-round draft pick on Emmanuel Henderson Jr., Wentz’s teammate on the Kansas Jayhawks last season. Henderson’s college career started at Alabama before transferring to Kansas, where he was a third-team All-Big 12 selection as a wide receiver and a first-team pick as a return specialist.
As the Seahawks noted, Henderson made a big impact in Kansas last year.
“Henderson led the Jayhawks in receiving yards last season with 766, and tied for team lead with 45 receptions and five touchdowns,” the team shared on the official website. “He also had 455 yards on 18 kick returns, including a 94-yard touchdown. He also has experience as a gunner, a role at which former Seahawks receiver, Dareke Young, excelled.”
Henderson is expected to compete for a spot as a wide receiver and kick returner, though he also played a bit of running back in college.
“Wherever I can get the ball in my hands, I feel like I can get the job done,” he said.
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein noted that Henderson is a versatile pass-catcher.
“Henderson is a slender inside/outside receiver,” Zierlein wrote. “He has good speed and disguises route intentions but will need work getting his feet/tempo right as a route-runner. He’s a former running back with below-average hands but real potential after the catch. You won’t see many who return kicks and cover punts in the same game, but Henderson can handle both duties. His special-teams versatility and athletic upside give him a chance to make a roster as a WR5/6 and full-time gunner.”
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