Norv Turner confirmed this morning starting right offensive tackle Phil Loadholt is out indefinitely with a torn left Achilles but the offensive coordinator is enthused about his replacement, rookie fourth round draft choice T.J. Clemmings.
Clemmings played in both of the Vikings first two preseason games and has been in training camp since last month. He replaced Loadholt, a veteran of six NFL seasons, during the first quarter of Saturday night’s game against the Bucs.
“He’s improving since he got here,” Turner said about Clemmings. “He’s having an outstanding camp. He played well in the Hall of Fame Game. He gets thrown into action earlier in the game (Saturday) than he thought. I thought he played extremely well. He’s a young player with a bright future, and he’s going to have to step it up.”
Clemmings is not only a rookie but somewhat a newcomer to the offensive line. At Pitt he was switched from defensive end to offense in 2013. He made a successful transition, and last year the Football Writers of America placed him on their All-American second team at offensive tackle.
Clemmings’ football career in high school was only two years. He excelled in basketball, turning down scholarship offers from Providence and Seton Hall to accept Pitt’s football offer. Scout named him the No. 6 defensive end prospect in the country as a prep senior.
He played right tackle at Pitt and there was pre-draft speculation earlier this year that he could be selected in the first round. Concern about past injuries impacted where he was drafted but it’s thought the Vikings may have made a wise move taking him in the fourth round.
The athletic Clemmings has the kind of quick footwork you might expect from a former basketball standout. However, his reputation also after being drafted was that his blocking techniques need work. Turner said Clemmings has “really improved his pass protection” since he’s been in Minnesota.
Among Turner’s expectations is Clemmings and right guard Mike Harris will communicate effectively on the field. Clemmings might take inspiration from Harris who was an undrafted rookie free agent in 2012 with the Chargers but started nine games. Turner was head coach of that team.
Worth Noting
Teddy Bridgewater is ranked No. 17 in Sports Illustrated’s listings of the NFL’s top 32 quarterbacks. “We’re going to look back and wonder how the Vikings stole Bridgewater with the last pick of the first round in ’14,” according to S.I.’s August 17 issue.
The publication’s Michael Beller offered top 32 rankings of quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight ends to help fantasy football participants prep for the season. Rival quarterbacks from the NFC North ranked high—with the Packers Aaron Rodgers No. 1 overall, followed by the Lions Matthew Stafford at No. 13 and the Bears Jay Cutler at No. 14.
The Packers Eddie Lacy and the Chiefs Jamaal Charles are the No. 1 and 2 running backs, with Adrian Peterson of the Vikings No. 3. Among wide receivers, the Vikings Mike Wallace is No. 29, and teammate Charles Johnson No. 32. Kyle Rudolph is No. 20 in the tight ends rankings, while Vikings teammate Blair Walsh is No. 13 among a listing of 15 NFL kickers.
Quarterback Mitch Leidner was impressive in Saturday’s Gophers scrimmage, running the offense with confidence and making some accurate passes. No. 2 quarterback Chris Streveler made a poor throw early in the scrimmage when he looked too long in the direction of his planned pass and saw it intercepted for a touchdown by linebacker Cody Poock. Placekicker Ryan Santos had three field goals including 44 and 40 yards kicks.
During the two-plus hour scrimmage in high heat and humidity, Gophers coach Jerry Kill targeted some of his most vocal comments at the offensive line. He said after the scrimmage the only player who may not be available for the September 3 opening game is injured tight end Lincoln Pisek.
As of Saturday, approximately 4,700 tickets remained for that game against TCU at TCF Bank Stadium.
Former Minneapolis City Council president Denny Schulstad was one of six newcomers to participate in Kill’s second annual Boys of Fall Elite Camp earlier this month. There were also 10 repeat attendees who had an inside look at Gophers football by paying $2,000 each. During three days the campers attended team meetings and had a 90 minutes get-together with Kill. “It was fascinating,” said Schulstad about the camp experience. He plans to attend again next year.
The Twins (59-58) are now one game over .500 after yesterday’s 4-1 win over the Indians at Target Field and have won back-to-back series. Third baseman Trevor Plouffe homered for the second time in four days yesterday and rookie DH-third baseman Miguel Sano, 6-4, 260, stole the first base of his big league career.
Kyle Gibson, 8-9 with a 3.75 ERA, pitches tonight for the Twins in New York against the Yankees C.C. Sabathia, 4-9, 5.23 ERA.
Wild head coach Mike Yeo hosts his Pro-Am bass fishing tournament for charities on September 1 at Lake Minnetonka. The Mike Yeo Classic presented by Gander Mountain will include celebrities and professional fishing guides. Wild players Ryan Carter, Charlie Coyle, Justin Fontaine, Erik Haula, Zach Parise, Nate Prosser, Jordan Schroeder, Thomas Vanek and Jason Zucker are scheduled to participate along with David Backes from the Blues, Justin Falk of the Hurricanes, and Glen Perkins and Brian Duensing from the Twins. The tournament benefits the Pinky Swear and Angel foundations. More information at wild.com/yeoclassic.