Zero to Hero: Inside Grey Zabel’s Journey From No-Star Recruit to Seahawks First-Round Pick

Written By Corbin Smith

Six years ago, Grey Zabel didn’t look the part of a future NFL prospect weighing under 250 pounds, drawing minimal interest from Division I schools. Now a Seahawks first round pick, his story once again proves the process matters far more than the number of stars.

Corbin Smith

After teaching and coaching high school football for five years, Smith transitioned into sports reporting in 2017 and spent seven years with Sports Illustrated as a Seahawks beat reporter before launching the Emerald City Spectrum in February 2025. He also has hosted the Locked On Seahawks podcast since 2019.

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