Seattle Seahawks tight end Jacob Hollister has been a surprising revelation for the team and a key offensive weapon for Russell Wilson this season, recording 25 receptions for 203 receiving yards and three touchdowns since being thrust into action in Week 7.
Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said he did not expect Hollister to make such significant contributions to the team so quickly.
“I really liked Jake as a player when I first saw him and he had a great spring,” Schottenheimer said after practice on Thursday. “But, when you’re running around in t-shirts and shorts, it’s a little different than when you’re out there with pads on and you’re playing real football.”
When star tight end Will Dissly suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns, the Seahawks’ unit at the position was thoroughly depleted. Ed Dickson being placed on injured reserve only reinforced that narrative. However, Hollister eventually embraced his role as the next man up and began to develop chemistry with Wilson. This led to a notable game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in which he recorded four catches for 37 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime.
“I think Tampa’s kind of where things swung for him – a couple big plays, big touchdowns, you get noticed a little bit more,” Schottenheimer said. “What you guys see on the little glimpses in practice, we see it all the time. Just very reliable, always in the right spot, great football instincts. Not good, great football instincts.”
Hollister will continue to be counted on as a major cog in the Seahawks offense throughout the final four games of the 2019 season. Seattle will undoubtedly need more production from him with the injuries at the tight end position.
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