Fant Going From Hoops to Football as Latest Seahawks Project

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — While the kids on the grass berm jockeyed for autograph position and screamed to get the attention of Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman and Bobby Wagner, George Fant stood a few feet away being tutored by assistant offensive line coach Pat Ruel.

For the next few minutes, even with the commotion nearby, Fant pummeled the padded base holding up the scoreboard next to the Seattle Seahawks' practice field as he worked on hand placement and the initial strike needed to play offensive line in the NFL.

Another day. Another lesson on playing offensive line for Fant — an undrafted rookie project and former basketball player.

Fant's football education continues Thursday night when the Seahawks play the Minnesota Vikings in their second preseason game. Fant is beyond raw when it comes to his football experience.

Consider that Fant is the 13th-leading scorer all-time on the basketball court at Western Kentucky. That his last real organized football came in the eighth grade, despite playing sparingly on special teams for WKU. That basic skills like getting into the proper stance, the proper hand placement, the proper footwork, while second nature to his teammates, are almost completely new for Fant.