Reporting from Winter Park:
Last season’s 3-13 record hasn’t lessened Phil Loadholt’s optimism about 2012. “Our goal is to win the world championship,” the offensive tackle told Sports Headliners.
Such a statement may surprise outsiders but the off-season is a time of renewed optimism, particularly for players who have been taught since Pop Warner football to set goals and anticipate success. Loadholt said having the Vikings participate in the next Super Bowl is “definitely possible.” His opinion is the team has the “right” talent and coaching staff to make that happen.
With no NFL labor strike preventing players and coaches from working together as training camp approaches, the Vikings won’t be at the disadvantage they were a year ago when they were learning a new offensive system under then new coordinator Bill Musgrave, according to Loadholt. That’s another reason for his optimism.
The return of running back Adrian Peterson from an ACL injury will make a difference, too. Like a lot of observers, Loadholt looks at Peterson’s physical gifts with wonder. “I expect him to come back faster than anyone else (from the injury),” Loadholt said.
Loadholt was one of many veteran players watching last weekend’s Vikings Rookie Mini-camp at Winter Park in Eden Prairie. There were ten 2012 draft choices, 15 rookie free agents, seven pre-draft signees and 39 pro-college tryout players listed on a roster provided to media. There were 71 total players listed including a few being counted on in 2012 like first round draft choices Matt Kalil (offensive tackle) and Harrison Smith (safety), but the roster consisted mostly of long shots to make the team.
Brandon Fusco, a sixth round draft choice last season who did earn a 2011 roster spot, was one of the veterans who watched the drills at mini-camp. He could be lining up at right guard next to Loadholt this season. He told Sports Headliners as last season progressed, “the game slowed down” because his knowledge improved. Now he’s more experienced and in his best physical shape ever. “I feel a lot more confident I am the guy for the (starting) job,” he said.
Another second-year player, quarterback Christian Ponder, was at the mini-camp. Coach Leslie Frazier said he liked having Ponder volunteer to watch Musgrave’s offense being installed. “That’s a big deal because we’re counting on him from a leadership standpoint and you like the fact that you’re starting quarterback is a football junkie,” Frazier said. “He would take the time to just watch and observe. That’s encouraging.”
Kalil left USC after his junior season but said the decision to turn pro wasn’t a difficult one even though the Trojans could be the No. 1 team in college football next fall. “I think I accomplished everything I wanted to at USC,” he said.
Vikings starting center John Sullivan said playing in a pro style offense and in “pressure games” at USC will help Kalil make the adjustment faster to the NFL. Kalil agreed that the offense was similar to the Trojans but he’s learning different terminology with the Vikings.
Although the Vikings drafted Georgia kicker Blair Walsh in the sixth round, Frazier said it’s not likely the team will keep two kickers. That means either Walsh or 15- year veteran Ryan Longwell will be responsible for field goals and kickoffs. Walsh was a first team USA Today prep All-American.
Wide receiver draft choices Greg Childs and Jarius Wright have been friends since elementary school. After playing football together at Arkansas, they have a chance to be teammates on the same NFL team.
“I know,” Frazier said. “…I was talking to them and it’s just amazing to go from elementary school, middle school, high school, college and then teammates in the pros. What are the odds of that happening?
“They’re great friends as you would expect and tremendous players. They are reminding me, ‘Coach, we’ve always been winners. Everywhere we went.’ I said, ‘Hallelujah, we’ll take that. Bring some of that with you.’ We’re glad to have them and looking forward to seeing how they progress.”
Among the players on the mini-camp roster were several former Gophers including tight ends Tiree Eure and Nick Tow-Arnett, and wide receiver Da’Jon McKnight. Two other ex-Gophers listed were defensive linemen Anthony Jacobs and Brandon Kirksey.
Another name of local interest was Minneapolis native Marcus Fitzgerald, brother of Cardinals All-Pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr. Marcus is 26 and although out of football for awhile is trying to make a pro roster as a wide receiver. His dad, Larry Sr., said Marcus has been working as a social media consultant.