Former Washington Redskins defensive backs coach Ray Horton weighed recently weighed in on the Seattle Seahawks’ acquisition of cornerback Quinton Dunbar.
In an interview with the Seattle Times, Horton compared Dunbar to a “young” Richard Sherman.
“To me, it would be Richard Sherman,” Horton said, via Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times “Because of the style of play, the hands, the anticipation, the (being a) former wide receiver, the competitiveness. Really, that’s what you are getting is a young Richard Sherman. And this kid is hungry. He wants to be good.”
Horton coached Dunbar last season in Washington under both Jay Gruden and interim head coach Bill Callahan. Horton, a former NFL defensive back has also had 25 years of pro roaching experience. So, Horton’s comparison to Dunbar and Sherman carries some weight.
Last season, Dunbar had arguably his best season before an injury ended his season. Coincidentally, Dunbar was rated the No. 2 cornerback in the NFL in 2019 by Pro Football Focus behind Sherman, who is now with the San Francisco 49ers.
Sherman was a college wide receiver at Stanford before being switch to defense. He was a fifth-round pick of the Seahawks and emerged as a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All Pro cornerback.
Dunbar also played wide receiver in college before being converted into a cornerback by the Redskins after going undrafted. He emerged as Washington’s top cornerback in five seasons.
After Washington’s new front office balked at a request for a new deal, Dunbar requested his trade. He was traded to Seattle for a fifth-round pick.
For the past couple of seasons the Seahawks have been searching to rekindle the old days of their dominating secondary that was led by a fiery and determined Sherman. According to Horton, Seattle may be getting a similar work ethic and leader in the locker room.
“He’s not a problem,” Horton said. “He’s a joy to work with. He works hard, he pushes himself, and he pushes his teammates. But there’s nothing wrong with that kind of a player. You want that kind of a player. You are getting that type of player – they are going to love this kid.”
