Hawks Notebook | Slimmer Alexander eager to get going

KIRKLAND — "Slim" was former defensive-backs coach Teryl Austin's nickname for Seahawks cornerback Kelly Jennings.

Now it's the moniker bestowed upon running back Shaun Alexander, who has noticeably dropped pounds from his normal playing weight of 225.

Why? Alexander says it's because he stayed in the Seattle area in the offseason to get in shape, rather than go to Alabama to work with his own sprint and conditioning coaches.

Alexander had good reason to stay. He and wife Valerie welcomed their third child, Eden Grace, to the world on March 9.

That makes three daughters for the Alexanders, but Shaun isn't complaining. He grew up in a houseful of boys.

"I still get to control the house, but it's just because my wife says so," he said with a smile.

Alexander said he's excited about the upcoming season and is eager to come back strong after missing six games in 2006 with a cracked bone in his left foot. Those were the first six games he has missed in his career.

The foot will be X-rayed after the current veteran minicamp to make sure the crack is sealed, Alexander said.

Though he misses departed wide receiver Darrell Jackson because the two were drafted by Seattle in 2000, Alexander is excited about the "new blood" on the roster this season.

"As a team, I think that we're in good shape," Alexander said. "We're going to be able to give Deion [Branch] the rock a lot. We get to see [tight end] Marcus [Pollard] float around and see how open he can get because he runs great routes and he blocks. ... I like when things get changed up a little bit. It makes everybody excited and it makes everybody fresh again."

Making a difference

Leonard Weaver was all set to be the Seahawks' backup fullback and a key special-teams player last season, as the former undrafted free agent had solidified his place on the roster after contributing as a rookie in 2005.

But misfortune struck in the exhibition finale against Oakland. Weaver suffered a left high ankle sprain that was serious enough for the team to place him on injured reserve before the regular season began, ending his season.

Well, not completely. Weaver still attended meetings with his teammates though he suffered through having to watch and not play on Sundays. And he found another way to stay connected to the game by coaching football at Renton High School.

Weaver worked with former NFL player Terry Metcalf, Renton's head coach, assisting Metcalf as running-backs and special-teams coach and defensive coordinator.

"That kind of eased the pain a little bit," Weaver said. "Some great things came out of it. We went to the playoffs for the first time in a long time at Renton High School, and it was a great opportunity."

Weaver said he would love to coach high-school football one day and enjoyed teaching the young players. But for now he's vying for more time as backup fullback, a position the Seahawks would like to fill with someone who can relieve starter Mack Strong, a 14-year veteran, more often.

It won't be easy. Second-year pro David Kirtman is back after a season on the practice squad. Josh Parry, who was acquired the same day Weaver was placed on injured reserve last year, is also back.

Weaver, though, adds a different dimension with his ability to make things happen as a ball carrier.

"I'm far beyond back," Weaver said. "I'm ready to go. I'm healthy. I feel 120 percent, really 200 percent."

Notes

• The voluntary veteran camp had perfect attendance Monday. The only players who didn't participate in practice were those that are injured or rehabilitating.

• OL Floyd Womack was back after missing practices this past weekend due to a family matter.

• The Seahawks signed four of the five players who received extended tryouts over the weekend to two-year deals: QB Derek Devine, K Tyler Jones, RB Joe Rubin (of Foss High in Tacoma) and LB Marcus Rucker.

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com