Bumpus Gives Best Shot

Just give him a chance to shine.

That’s all Michael Bumpus needs. And so far, the former Washington State receiver is getting it and taking full advantage of his opportunity.

Bumpus had been an afterthought in the Seattle Seahawks competition at receiver between youngsters Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor, Jordan Kent and Logan Payne. But with his solid play in the team’s scrimmage and the first preseason game, Bumpus is proving he belongs in that conversation.

“Numbers-wise you look at the depth chart and you kind of say, ‘There’s no way I’m making this team,” Bobby Engram said about Bumpus. “And I tried to talk to him about that early on, (telling him) don’t look at the numbers, just go out there and play your game and let what happens, happen.

“He’s had a phenomenal camp. He’s really working the slot well. He’s got great speed on the outside and he’s a tough guy.”

As a slot receiver for four years for the Cougars, Bumpus said he constantly studies the veteran Engram during practice, with Engram considered one of the best slot receivers in the NFL.

Bumpus has showed an ability to outmuscle defensive backs for the ball and does a nice job of reading defenses, settling into the soft spot of a zone and making himself available.

“He has a real good feel for the game,” Seahawks receivers coach Keith Gilbertson said. “He gets it. But he’s still young. The challenge will be when he’s playing earlier in the game against the other team’s top people, then you’ll see.

“So until he gets on their best nickel (defensive back) and best corners and has to go against really the top people in the league, then we’ll see.”

Bumpus has been solid in game action for the Seahawks. In the team’s Aug. 2 scrimmage he bounced off a big hit by cornerback Josh Wilson and muscled his way into the end zone for a 23-yard score. Against Minnesota on Friday, Bumpus led the Seahawks in receiving with three catches for 51 yards.

“I feel like I’m working hard and that I’m competing for a spot,” Bumpus said. “I don’t really look for the recognition as much, as long as the people upstairs are taking a look at the film and they’re satisfied with what I’m doing then I’m pretty secure out here.”

A Pac-10 honorable mention selection as a receiver his senior season, the 5-foot-11, 194-pounder also finished as Washington State’s career leader in receptions (185) and punt return yards (801). After he went undrafted, Seattle signed Bumpus as a free agent. The rookie said the transition to the pros has been helped by the Seahawks running a similar style offense as the Cougars.

“A lot of guys come here and struggle with this offense,” Bumpus said. “It just gives a player like me a lot of confidence knowing I can come in here and learn a complex offense and get it down in a couple weeks.”

Although he will probably be on the outside looking in when the team announces its 53-man roster, and is perhaps headed to the team’s practice squad, Bumpus works to get extra reps in before and after practice with an eye toward the future.

“It’s a big audition,” he said. “If it doesn’t work out here, hopefully I’m consistent enough that someone else is looking at film and gives me another shot.”