Seattle Sports: Update on NFL players with State of Washington ties
Hekk, Kupp, and Jack
Johnny Hekker, punter, Los Angeles Rams: Hekker played at Bothell High School where he was the starting quarterback his senior year as well as punter. He went from there to Oregon State where he was the Beavers’ punter for four years. In 2012, he signed with the Rams as an undrafted free agent. He has punted 11 times so far this season with an average of 45.2.
Cooper Kupp, wide receiver, Los Angeles Rams: He played his high school ball at Davis High School in Yakima. Kupp stayed in state, attending Eastern Washington. After taking a red shirt his freshmen year, however became a big time receiver being named all-American receiver his first year playing for Eastern Washington. As a senior, Kupp had 117 receptions for 1300 yards and 17 touchdowns.
He was drafted in the third round by the Los Angeles Rams in 2017. His rookie season he played 15 games, starting six. Kupp caught 62 passes for 869 yards with five touchdowns. So far in 2018 he has 30 receptions for 438 yards and five touchdowns including one in Seattle against his home state Seahawks team in game 5, where he caught six catches for 90 yards. He had to leave the game in the second half because of a concussion.
Kupp returned against the Denver Broncos in game six, however he left because of an MCL sprain. He is ruled out of this coming Sunday against San Francisco. It’s unknown when he will return to action.
Myles Jack, linebacker, Jacksonville Jaguars: Jack played his high school ball at Bellevue High School where he played running back and linebacker. He went on to UCLA where he played running back and linebacker as well. The Jags selected him in the second of 2016’s draft.
That year he played strong outside linebacker however was moved to middle linebacker in 2017. So far he has 18 solo tackles on this season and had his first interception of his NFL career in the opening game of the season, against the New York Giants. He ran it back for a 32 yard pick-six.