Devon Witherspoon's rookie training camp was limited by a hamstring injury, but when he has been on the field, he has shown a knack for making life difficult on receivers.
Or as DK Metcalf described it, the first-round pick out of Illinois has been, "like a little gnat that doesn't go away."
And make no mistake, Metcalf wasn't comparing Witherspoon to an insect to insult the rookie; he meant it in a good way.
"He's always just around the ball, he's always just going to be around you, he's always active," Metcalf said. "Last week in practice he chased me down still trying to punch the ball out and I'm 30 yards down the field. That's just the type of player that he is, and I expect that from him. A Top-5 pick who's not going to back down from a challenge, he's going to step up and he's going to try and make a play every time he steps on the field."
Assuming all goes well the next few days, Witherspoon will soon get his chance to be "a little gnat" to an opposing offense. After missing a significant portion of training camp and the preseason with a hamstring injury, Witherspoon returned to practice last week, then was a full-participant on Wednesday, putting him on track to suit up against the Lions for his NFL debut.
"This is his first chance, this is his opener, I'm excited to see him," Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said.
Devon Witherspoon is a cornerback for the Seahawks and was drafted No. 5 overall in 2023. Take a look at photos of Witherspoon during his college years at Illinois and so far through his rookie season. Witherspoon was a consensus All-American and Big Ten Tatum–Woodson Defensive Back of the Year in 2022 at Illinois.
Illinois defensive back Devon Witherspoon (31) during an NCAA football game against Connecticuton Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 in East Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
Illinois defensive back Devon Witherspoon (31) defends against Minnesota in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 40-17. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Illinois defensive back Devon Witherspoon (31) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Rutgers on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Piscataway, N.J. Illinois won 23 - 20. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Illinois defensive back Devon Witherspoon (31) makes an interception in front of Rutgers wide receiver Bo Melton (18) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Illinois defensive back Devon Witherspoon (31) reacts after making an interception with Illinois defensive back Marquez Beason (3) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against the Rutgers, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Piscataway, N.J. Illinois won 23 - 20. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith stands with Illinois defensive back Devon Witherspoon (31) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Nebraska in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Illinois defensive back Devon Witherspoon (31) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Nebraska in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Illinois defensive back Devon Witherspoon, left, tries to recover a fumble against Northwestern during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Illinois defensive back Devon Witherspoon steps in front of and breaks up a pass intended for Nebraska wide receiver Oliver Martin late in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 28, 202, in Champaign, Ill. Illinois won 30-22. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Illinois defensive back Kerby Joseph (25) intercepts a pass intended for Wisconsin wide receiver Kendric Pryor (3) as Devon Witherspoon also defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Indiana wide receiver Cam Camper (6) is tackled by Illinois's Devon Witherspoon, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Illinois defensive back Devon Witherspoon (31) during an NCAA football game against the Indiana on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, in West Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Illinois defensive back Devon Witherspoon (31) during an NCAA football game against the Indiana on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, in West Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Illinois defensive back Devon Witherspoon breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for Virginia's Lavel Davis Jr., during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Champaign, Ill. Illinois won 24-3. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Wisconsin wide receiver Chimere Dike (13) goes up for a pass under coverage by Illinois defensive back Devon Witherspoon (31) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Devon Witherspoon (31)
Illinois Fighting Illini Football vs. Michigan - 11/20/2022
NFL draft prospect Devon Witherspoon takes part in a Play Football clinic ahead of the NFL draft Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Center High School in Kansas City, Mo. The draft will run from April 27-29. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
NFL draft prospect Devon Witherspoon takes part in a Play Football clinic ahead of the NFL draft Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Center High School in Kansas City, Mo. The draft will run from April 27-29. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Illinois defensive back Devon Witherspoon arrives on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 27, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is in his rookie season after being taken fifth overall by the Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is in his rookie season after being taken fifth overall by the Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is in his rookie season after being taken fifth overall by the Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is in his rookie season after being taken fifth overall by the Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is in his rookie season after being taken fifth overall by the Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is in his rookie season after being taken fifth overall by the Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is in his rookie season after being taken fifth overall by the Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is in his rookie season after being taken fifth overall by the Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is in his rookie season after being taken fifth overall by the Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is in his rookie season after being taken fifth overall by the Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is in his rookie season after being taken fifth overall by the Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is in his rookie season after being taken fifth overall by the Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is in his rookie season after being taken fifth overall by the Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is in his rookie season after being taken fifth overall by the Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is in his rookie season after being taken fifth overall by the Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is in his rookie season after being taken fifth overall by the Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is in his rookie season after being taken fifth overall by the Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is in his rookie season after being taken fifth overall by the Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is in his rookie season after being taken fifth overall by the Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is in his rookie season after being taken fifth overall by the Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Witherspoon, the No. 5 pick in this year's draft, said the hamstring injury has "Been frustrating, how long it's been going on, been lingering. But I've just been trusting the process, just trying to continue to build strength in it.
"It's been a test of my patience. This is my first time dealing with an injury like this, it's just been prolonged longer than I thought it would be. So I'm just trusting the process and trying to get through it."
And now that he has made it back, Witherspoon is ready to make his mark on Seattle's defense.
"I'm excited, but just trying go out there with the guys, get our connection, just go out there and play defense," he said… "I feel like I'm ready. I've got to get the jitters out for my first game, but I've just got to go out there and play."
How the Seahawks use Witherspoon remains to be seen. Primarily an outside cornerback in college, he got significant work in the nickel role prior to his injury, but Carroll has also mentioned Witherspoon's name when talking about the competition between Tre Brown and Michael Jackson at left cornerback.
If Witherspoon does end up in the nickel role to start out, he doesn't think it will be too big of an adjustment.
"It's been smooth," he said. "It's kind of the same as corner, but you're just on the inside."
Wherever Witherspoon plays this week and beyond, the Seahawks are excited to get their first look at a player they are expecting to be a big part of their defense for years to come.
"He's got such a great spirit that he adds to our club, I can't wait for him to be contributing on the field so they can feel him and players can play off of him," Carroll said. "Because he's got a real way about him."
The Seahawks and Lions face off on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023 at Ford Field. Kickoff is set for 10:00 a.m. PT. Take a look back through history at the Seahawks' matchups against the Lions.
Seattle Seahawks running back David Sims (35) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Detroit Lions in Seattle, Wash., Sept. 24, 1978. The Seahawks defeated the Lions 28-16. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders (20) fights for yardage against Seattle Seahawks' Robert Blackmon (25) during the second quarter at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Mich., Oct. 17, 1993. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Seattle Seahawks' Sean Dawkins (81) catches a touchdown pass from Jon Kitna while being defended by Detroit Lions' Terry Fair (23) in the fourth quarter, Sunday, Sept. 12, 1999, in Seattle. Detroit won 28-20. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Detroit Lions quarterback Joey Harrington is hit by Seattle Seahawks' Ken Hamlin (26) as he throws in the fourth quarter Sunday, Nov. 16, 2003, in Seattle. Harrington completed 26 of 48 passes for 285 yards. The Seahawks won, 35-14. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Detroit Lions linebacker Paris Lenon, right, makes a diving tackle on Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Bobby Engram (84) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 10, 2006, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Lewis (59) tries stopping Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander (37) during the first quarter of their football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Seattle Seahawks? David Hawthorne tackles Detroit Lions' Kevin Smith in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck throws against the Detroit Lions in the fourth quarter during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 32-20. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) intercepts a pass intended for Detroit Lions tight end Tony Scheffler (85) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012. in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) makes a touchdown run in the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012. in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya )
Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) has the ball knocked loose by Seattle Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor (31) in the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 5, 2015, in Seattle. The fumble went out of bounds in the end zone and was ruled a touchback. The Seahawks beat the Lions 13-10. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks tight end Ed Dickson (84) and Detroit Lions strong safety Quandre Diggs fall into the end zone after Dickson's 12-yard touchdown reception during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls (34) rushes for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the second half of an NFL football NFC wild card playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
