Carroll finally comes around on return whiz Hester

Back in 2002, Pete Carroll was the only college coach in America who didn’t think Devin Hester was good enough.

Fourteen years later, the Seahawks head coach finally had a change of heart.

This week, the Hawks signed Hester to replace injured return man Tyler Lockett for Saturday’s wild-card playoff game against the Detroit Lions.

In the process, Carroll corrected an error he made 14 years ago when he was the head coach at the University of Southern California and Hester was the most highly recruited defensive back in the United States.

“I told coach Pete, he finally gave me a scholarship,” said the 34-yearold Hester. “(USC) was the only college that didn’t offer me a scholarship when I was in high school. I said, ‘I appreciate you giving me a scholarship coach.’”

“Somehow, he got lost in the shuffle and he’s never let me forget it,” Carroll said. “I told him he was on scholarship now.”

Carroll paused.

“He’s the oldest guy we’ve ever (offered a scholarship).”

Hester, the NFL’s all-time leader in both punt and kickoff returns for touchdowns, was released by Baltimore in mid-December. Before Carroll came calling, he almost signed with New England before the Patriots opted for receiver Michael Floyd, who’d been released by Arizona.

Hester will handle all the return duties against the Lions.

“This guy is as good as you can find,” said Carroll. “His numbers are ridiculous and his history is extraordinary. We jumped on it.”

“I don’t have a Super Bowl ring and I have a great opportunity right now,” said Hester.