Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll jumped on a conference call with San Francisco 49ers reporters on Wednesday and shared his thoughts on the upcoming NFC West showdown. He was asked about several opposing players and had nothing but good things to say about the division-rival 49ers, including calling tight end George Kittle "just as good as you can get at the position."
Carroll discussed another offensive player — budding star rookie wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
"He's really good. He's a really good player," Carroll told reporters. "We had him in high regard on our end too. We loved the guy coming out. When he went in to follow the draft pick Deebo (Samuel) a couple of years ago, we thought, boy, those are two great, great gets. We really respect those players, and you see that Brandon has not had any trouble making the transition from ASU.
"He's just done a great job. Right now, everybody's battling, being banged up and all. He's really stepped up, and he's a real key factor for them."
Carroll also discussed star linebacker Fred Warner, who is now in his third NFL season. The coach compared Warner's leadership to Seahawks veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner, who Carroll says has always been in charge of the defense.
"I don't know what's going on in their locker room or their huddle, but it looks like Fred is doing that," Carroll said. "He's just kind of taking over from the start. He's been such an active player, run and pass, and so available to make plays because he's such a hard worker and a great reader and an instinctive guy that you can't watch the defense and not see him. He just jumps out at you.
"It's been cool to see him really ascend so quickly. I can't remember what kind of impression Bobby made on guys this early, but Fred certainly has, and we have a lot of respect for his play."
The 49ers and Seahawks are set to play at CenturyLink Field on Sunday at 1:25 p.m. PT.