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Diamonds In The Rough: Looking Back At Seahawks FCS & Division II Draft Picks Of Note

A glimpse at the Seahawks’ storied history of drafting subdivision gems.

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Since the franchise's inception into the league in 1976, the Seahawks front office has done its fair share of due diligence in finding pieces to the puzzle from a wide range of college football programs & backgrounds. From the early days of the franchise (Edwin Bailey) to the current roster (Dareke Young) the Seahawks have been able to find quality players even at unheralded programs. With the 2023 season almost upon us, here's a look back at eight impact Seahawks through the years drafted from NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and Division II schools.

Edwin Bailey - South Carolina State (FCS)

In 1981, Seattle selected South Carolina State guard Edwin Bailey with the 114th overall selection. The historically black college in Orangeburg, South Carolina would produce two Seahawks on this list, with Bailey opening the door. Playing his entire career in Seattle, Bailey started 120 regular season and seven playoff games at left guard.

Dwayne Harper - South Carolina State (FCS)

In Round No. 11 of the 1988 NFL Draft, Seattle selected South Carolina State cornerback Dwayne Harper. The former Bulldog would quickly rise up the depth chart, recording 354 tackles, 13 interceptions and five fumble recoveries over 76 starts.

Chris Warren - Ferrum College (DIII)

Seahawks Legend Chris Warren began his college career at the University of Virginia in 1985, but after two seasons found himself transferring to Division III Ferrum College. Warren led the Panthers to consecutive DIII South Region Championships, while earning consecutive All-American honors in 1988-89. After earning an invite to the 1989 Senior Bowl, Warren was selected by Seattle in 1990. In eight seasons with the Seahawks, Warren rushed for 6,706 yards, 44 rushing touchdowns, three receiving touchdowns and one punt return for a score.

Terry Taylor - Southern Illinois (FCS)

With the No. 22 pick in the 1984 draft, Seattle selected Southern Illinois cornerback Terry Taylor. He remains tied to this day for the 10th-highest FCS selection in NCAA history. Across six seasons in the Pacific Northwest, Taylor recorded 259 tackles and caught 16 interceptions, returning two for touchdowns.

Michael Sinclair - Eastern New Mexico (DII)

In Round 6 of the 1991 NFL Draft, defensive end Michael Sinclair became the sixth Eastern New Mexico player to be drafted in the Division II school's history. No player in the class would go on to record more sacks (73.5) than the Galveston, Texas native did in his 10 seasons in Seattle. The three-time Pro Bowl selection led the league in sacks (16.5) and forced fumbles (six) in 1998, earning a second team All-Pro nod.

Antonio Edwards - Valdosta State (DII)

In Round 8 of the 1993 draft, Seattle selected Division II Valdosta State defensive end Antonio Edwards. In five seasons with Seattle, Edwards recorded 13 sacks and a fumble recovery for a touchdown.

Robert Hardy - Jackson State (FCS)

In Round 10 of the 1979 NFL Draft, Seattle selected Jackson State defensive tackle Robert Hardy. The Tulsa, Oklahoma native spent his entire four-year career with the Seahawks, registering 17 sacks and three fumble recoveries over 53 starts.

Dareke Young - Lenoir-Rhyne (DII)

Dareke Young, a seventh-round selection in last year's draft, is the latest Division II riser within the franchise. The Lenoir-Rhyne University alum climbed the Seahawks depth chart via his special teams tenacity, combining for seven tackles as a gunner while earning snaps at wideout. The best is yet to come for Young, as he approaches his second season with an opportunity to further carve out a role in the offense following a promising rookie campaign.

The Seahawks and Cowboys face off on Thursday Night Football, Nov. 30, 2023. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. PT. Take a look back through history at the Seahawks' matchups against the Cowboys.

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