Former Beaver Hass signed by Seattle

Seahawks sign 2005 Fred Biletnikoff winner Mike Hass to two year contract after finishing No. 29 in passing yards

By: Casey Grogan

Posted: 1/9/09

As successful as college was for former OSU wide receiver Mike Hass, the National Football League has been much more difficult for the Portland native.

After leaving Jesuit High School with a strong senior season, which included 1,739 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns, Hass was not offered a scholarship by any Division One schools. Hass joined the OSU roster as a walk-on, only to earn a scholarship during his time at Oregon State.

Starting at wide receiver from 2003-05, Hass finished his senior season as the Fred Biletnikoff winner, an award for the nation's top receiver. Despite impressive stats, records under his belt and a 107-yard finish at the East-West Shrine game, Hass wasn't viewed as a top prospect for the NFL.

After being selected in the sixth round by the New Orleans Saints, Hass signed a three year contract. Due to the NFL's lack of guaranteed contracts, the Saints were able to release the former Oregon State star.

A day after being cut by New Orleans, Hass signed onto the Chicago Bears practice roster. Hass was signed by the Bears to the active roster the following year and appeared in one game for Chicago.

"It was just a case of a guy coming in behind the eight-ball a little bit and working his way onto the roster," Bears coach Lovie Smith told chicagobears.com after the Bears final cuts in 2007. During training camp, "Mike made plays every day, and he finished up with a good last preseason game. That's the beauty about training camp. There are a couple of guys that come in and earn a spot, and Mike was able to do that."

Hass was released and re-signed by Chicago multiple times after losing his spot on the active roster, before signing a two-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday.

The Seahawks finished the 2008 NFL season ranked No. 29 in passing yards, averaging 163.6 yards per game through the air.

Hass is one of many changes for the Seahawks as Jim L. Mora steps into the head-coaching role, replacing Mike Homgren who retired at the conclusion of the season. Mora and the Seahawks have already added a new offensive coordinator to the Seattle staff in Greg Knapp, who worked with Mora in San Francisco and Atlanta.

In the past, Knapp has leaned toward the rushing game on offense, which could provide balance to the Seahawks offense and allow Hass success should he remain on the roster. Hass will join former OSU tight end Joe Newton with the Seahawks. Newton, an undrafted free agent, has spent his time after college on the Seattle practice squad.

Casey Grogan, sports editor

sports@dailybarometer.com