By Mike Kahn
CBS SportsLine Executive Editor
Sept. 16, 1998

Some eight minutes into the first quarter of what would appear to be just another play in an NFL game, Seattle quarterback Warren Moon's 12-yard pass to Christian Fauria was broken up by Andre Wadsworth.

In

Andre Wadsworth is quickly getting his arms around the idea of becoming an NFL defensive end. (Allsport)

the large framework of this 33-14 blowout of the Arizona Cardinals, it would seem to be an insignificant speck on the map of pro football were it not for Wadsworth. The 6-foot-4, 280-pound defensive end, who missed all of training camp and was making his first NFL start, retreated in a slick stunt from the line of scrimmage to knock the ball away while the linebacker blitzed.

"Well, let's see," Wadsworth said later. "I catch on quick and move quick. I guess that makes me quick."

HE'S AT LEAST THAT, to put it mildly. He was the fourth overall pick of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Cardinals, who dealt the rights to Ryan Leaf to San Diego so they could continue the rapid growth of their defense with the consensus All-America from Florida State. And growth is indeed what Wadsworth brings.

Having graduated with a degree in marketing in four years, then working on a master's in sports administration last season, this is hardly your basic dumb jock we're talking about here.

"He's a very fast learner," Cardinals defensive coordinator Dave McGinnis said. "But he would have benefited from all the time he missed here. He has to be able to get up to speed on the game plan."

Evidently, he's doing fine. Wadsworth isn't in top playing shape, but he responded quickly enough to make the play on Fauria. Aside from that, he had four tackles, one assist and a fumble recovery against the Seahawks. And before you start thinking he was just another guy getting blown out in a 33-14 loss, remember, 14 of those points came on touchdowns by Seattle defensive backs Shawn Springs and Willie Williams on interception returns. Holding an explosive offense like the Seahawks' to 244 net yards is rather impressive, really.

Wadsworth wasn't thrilled with his play, anyway. Coach Vince Tobin was optimistic, and defensive line coach Mean Joe Greene reiterated that Wadsworth already learned the whole defense at minicamp. Nonetheless, as Tobin says:

"Basically, he's a guy playing more on what he did at Florida State than what he does with the Cardinals. He's got to get more in tune with what we're doing. Once that happens, then he'll have a chance to start making some plays."

NOT THAT THERE'S ANYTHING WRONG WITH what he learned at Florida State. He's fourth all-time in tackles for the Seminoles and second in tackles behind the line of scrimmage.

That wouldn't be so impressive were it not for one simple fact ... he walked on at FSU as a redshirt freshman, then become a starter in his second freshman season at nose tackle. He stayed there for his sophomore year, then moved to defensive tackle as a junior before becoming a consensus All-America defensive end as a senior.

Patience is virtuous, even when it comes to football.

"I just want to thank the Cardinals for having confidence in me and investing in me," Wadsworth said. "Like a fine wine or fine cheese, it takes time to come out and taste good."

Pretty expensive wine and cheese. Not only did he hold out 44 days until just before the opening game against the Dallas Cowboys Sept. 6, but he signed a whopping six-year, $42 million contract that included a $10.491 million signing bonus.

Out of the top four picks -- Wadsworth, Leaf, Peyton Manning and Charles Woodson -- plenty of people by draft time expected Wadsworth to be the safest bet for stardom. More important, it's more likely to happen for him on the Cardinals, already a team predicated on defense with stars like Eric Swann and Simeon Rice.

As Rice put it, "It's important he keep perspective. I told him, 'Do not put yourself in the business of hysteria and hype. Don't think you have to do the incredible. Let the incredible come to you.'"

Too late, Simeon. This defensive end already is breaking up downfield passes. His combination of skills and brains make him a natural for the Pro Bowl for years to come. Good luck must keep him healthy.

In other words, the table is set for this former college walk-on.

"I'm not saying, 'I'm starting, I'm back,'" Wadsworth said. "I still have a lot to learn. My quickness, timing and balance are off. My tenacity, everything like that is off. The hunger is there, the killer instinct is not. I need to progress."

History says in the case of his story, this is no problem. The course already has been charted. This Wadsworth is more than just a long fellow.