Seahawks select Big Island native Ursua in seventh round of NFL draft

The Seattle Seahawks today selected former University of Hawaii receiver John Ursua in the seventh round of the NFL Draft.

“It’s my favorite bird,” Ursua said of Seattle’s mascot.

Ursua told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that Seattle head coach Pete Carroll had called him throughout the third day of the draft. Ursua said he was told he likely would be offered a free-agent contract. But then Carroll called again, saying the Seahawks had a seventh-round pick they were going to use on Ursua.

“It was exciting,” Ursua said of the selection. “I had a feeling all day I was going to be going to Seattle.”

In December, Ursua announced he would forgo his senior season at UH to enter the NFL Draft. At UH’s pro day, Ursua impressed with his speed in quick-cut drills, field work and strength. He bench pressed 225 pounds 17 times.

Ursua fielded calls from all 32 NFL teams. Four teams brought him in for personal workouts. But the Seahawks were the most persistent.

“It’s such a miracle for me,” he said in a press conference after being picked. “They have gone over and beyond to show their trust and faith in me. I’m so blessed and humbled to have the opportunity.”