Hawks Notes: Olympia native Fulton shines in Europe

Wide receivers run go-routes, but for Skyler Fulton, his young life seems like a nonstop on-the-go route.

The 23-year-old Olympia native and former Capital High School standout is in Amsterdam, playing for his football future in NFL Europe.

But the road has been a long one. From Capital to Arizona State University, then to Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon for a semester to play baseball and back to ASU and a return to football. Then graduation, going undrafted, a training camp with the Indianapolis Colts, a stint on the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad and weekly flights between Minneapolis and the Phoenix area to attend classes for his master's degree in curriculum and instruction.

A few months as a substitute teacher at a Tempe, Ariz., high school, trying his hand at a variety of subjects from music and art to math and history. Even some nights working security at local high-school basketball games. And plenty of early-morning workouts to stay in shape.

And finally, a call from his local team, the Seahawks, for whom he had worked out during the 2005 season. A futures contract with Seattle in January of this year, and an allocation to the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe.

"Everything I own is in my car in Olympia," Fulton said from the Admirals' facility earlier this week.

Fulton might not have many possessions, but he will have the opportunity to return to the Puget Sound area after the NFL Europe season and take part in a minicamp and a training camp. And with that comes the chance — albeit a longshot — to make an NFL roster.

He leads NFL Europe in receiving yards (380), touchdowns (four) and yards per catch (25.3) after three games.

"I'm just taking this all in as it goes," Fulton said. "My main goal is to get back [to the U.S.] and make a team. But I'm trying to win the championship over here. I'm just trying to help my team win. I understand wherever I'm playing I have to be able to do different things."

Fulton was drafted as a baseball player twice, once out of high school and once in college. He had hoped to play both sports at ASU, but he wasn't happy with his playing time in baseball and decided to go to Skagit and play there.

ASU football coach Dirk Koetter held Fulton's scholarship while Fulton tried baseball. In the end, Fulton chose to finish his college education and play out his football eligibility in Tempe.

"He has the measurables you're looking for," said Will Lewis, the Seahawks' pro personnel director who has worked out Fulton twice. "He's holding up his end of the deal."

Today, Fulton is experiencing life across the water.

"They eat fries and mayo like they're going out of style," Fulton said of the Dutch. "At first I thought it was fries with ice cream."

Law in town

Cornerback Ty Law arrived Wednesday for his visit with the Seahawks.

With about $11 million remaining under the salary cap, the Seahawks could make a good offer for Law.

Team president Tim Ruskell said the Seahawks' focus otherwise has largely turned to the draft at the end of the month.

"The big blowout deals are probably a thing of the past for this period," Ruskell said. "You still have the understanding that there may be some teams and some cap casualties that come along the way, but you really focus now on the draft in terms of what needs you have left."

One of the Seahawks' primary needs is at defensive back; hence Law's visit. At this time last year, the Seahawks were still active in free agency. Before the draft last April, they signed linebacker Jamie Sharper, cornerback Andre Dyson and receiver Jerome Pathon.

"We are still working free agency," Ruskell said. "I think last year our most productive period was about from now even on past the draft. It's still ongoing. There won't be as many big-name people come down, but there's a lot of good need-type, value-type people still out there."

Schedule out today

The NFL will announce the full 2006 schedule through its cable TV network today. The Seahawks' 16 games include two each against Arizona, San Francisco and St. Louis. Other home opponents are Green Bay, Minnesota, Oakland, San Diego and the New York Giants; the other road foes are Chicago, Detroit, Denver, Kansas City and Tampa Bay.

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