Joe Webb told Sports Headliners the coaches have told him he is the Vikings No. 2 quarterback. The third-year quarterback is behind Christian Ponder, a rookie last season, but Webb’s attitude was upbeat at the team’s Organized Team Activities at Winter Park. “I am fired up,” Webb said last week.
Often wearing a smile, he has a passion for football and life. He grew up in a family where religion was emphasized and so too was a positive outlook. “It’s just a blessing to be on the field,” he said. “One percent of players make it in the NFL.”
Webb has started three games in his NFL career. He plans to be ready if the opportunity to start comes again. With experience, he’s learned the playbook better, sees the field of play better and has learned to work on his mechanics.
Webb, whose contract expires after next season, also feels comfortable now being a leader. “I speak up to guys a lot more,” he said.
A sixth round draft choice in 2010, he played not only quarterback but wide receiver and even safety at UAB. His athleticism has created speculation the 6-4, 230-pound athlete might become a wide receiver with the Vikings. “My heart is in being a quarterback but I want to help the team anyway I can,” he said.
Coach Leslie Frazier said if Adrian Peterson isn’t recovered from his knee injury in time for the opening game the plan is to start Toby Gerhart and not use multiple running backs. He described Gerhart as a “solid” alternative. “…We’re not afraid of Toby having to start,” Frazier said.
Lester Bagley expects ground to be broken next spring on the new Vikings stadium downtown. He doesn’t anticipate any developments to delay that schedule. Bagley, who has been the club’s lead executive for years on the stadium project before gaining state and city approval this spring, believes it’s likely owner Zygi Wilf will be involved with commercial development near the stadium site.
Ian Thomsen, writing in the June 4 issue of Sports Illustrated about the Celtics aging big three that includes Kevin Garnett, said in 2007 Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor gave in on “his demand” that point guard Rajon Rondo had to be included among the players Boston would send to Minneapolis in exchange for Garnett. Rondo, 26, now ranks with the NBA’s best point guards and in a playoff loss to the Heat had 44 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds.
Minneapolis-born Zach Parise earns praise in the May 29-June 4 issue of The Fleisher Report. The report quotes Kings goalie Jonathan Quick as saying Parise’s “speed and competitiveness” are special. Quick observed that how Parise plays “usually” determines how the Devils fare.
In the same issue ex-Minnesota Wild defenseman Willie Mitchell, back with the Kings, credits that organization with giving him an opportunity while only an eighth grader.
KARE 11 news and sports personality Eric Perkins will travel to London to report on the summer Olympics.
Prep basketball authority Ken Lien emailed that boys basketball coach Reggie Perkins is leaving Washburn to coach at Bloomington Kennedy. Perkins coached Washburn in the Class 3-A championship loss to DeLaSalle in March.
Friends of Corky Taylor are saddened by the former Gophers basketball player’s battle with lung cancer.
Canterbury Park will hold a memorial service in the paddock open to the public starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday for Dark Star who passed away last week. Star’s second home was the Shakopee racetrack.
Comments Welcome