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Getting to Know: Vikings RB Jerick McKinnon

Get to know Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon, the team's third round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.

May 14, 2014 at 5:15PM

Name: Jerick McKinnon

Position: RB

School: Georgia Southern

Background:

Scored the game-winning touchdown against Florida last year in the school's first win over a BCS team in Florida

Finished with 3,899 career rushing yards and 42 rushing touchdowns in four years as a quarterback and running back; also played cornerback

Three-time Iron Works Dedication Award, given to the strongest player on the team, and a member of the Georgia Southern Football's Leadership Council

Selected as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution first-team All-State quarterback selection and named 7 AAAA Player of the Year at Sprayberry High in Marietta, Ga. (same school as Phillies outfielder Marlon Byrd)

His brother, Lester Norwood, was a defensive back at Florida from 1998-2002

On if he made contact with the Vikings during the process

I got to talk to them at the Combine with the area scout, got a chance to talk the running backs coach, and got a really good feel for them. It is definitely one of the places that I was wishing that I'd have a chance to play, coming in and learning Adrian Peterson and the other running backs, just soaking in all of their knowledge like a sponge and adding it to my game.

On if he's been a fan of running back Adrian Peterson

For a long time. Just the he plays the game with passion and his physicality. He is one of the best in the game, I think he's the best in the game as a matter of fact and it is a dream come true to come in and watch him and learn from a guy like that.

On if he thinks he can lessen Peterson's load

I think I can come in and contribute to the team whether that is at running back or return man on special teams. However they want to use me, I will give them 110% and do my best to push myself. As a rookie, I want to come in to push other guys and I hope it all works out for good.