Name: Shamar Stephen
Position: DT
School: Connecticut
Background:
- Missed just two games over the last two seasons; started 30 of 46 games at Connecticut
- Led UConn with 10 tackles for loss, second with three sacks and third with 60 tackles last season
- Held runners to 0.96 yards per carry on 43 running plays he was directly involved in last season
- Named All-AAC second team, team captain, team MVP last season
- Played both basketball and football at Long Island Lutheran High in Brookeville, N.Y.; was on the same basketball team as Magic small forward Tobias Harris
On what he knows about Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer's defense
"I know about Coach Zimmer's scheme, he is definitely a defensive-minded coach. He definitely brings a lot of ability from my position, especially being a two gap defensive tackle who can shed blocks."
On his top 30 visit with the Vikings
"Vikings were one of my biggest visits with it being my first. Being a Top 30 player I was definitely appreciative of the coaching staff and what they did for me. I am focused on playing and they gave me the opportunity."
