Souhan: Vikings first-round pick Kalil hitting the right chord

Matt Kalil, the rookie Vikings tackle, likes guitars. I like guitars.

So instead of discussing his outstanding rookie season and love of music in a locker room filled with naked people, we met at my favorite guitar shop, Lavonne Music in Savage, where nudity is less often a problem.

During a conversation in which Zac Brown (the musician) was mentioned more often than Zach Brown (the Tennessee linebacker), Kalil explained why he got fined $7,000, dissed a powerful football conference and lobbied for Adrian Peterson to buy him something bigger than a bread box if Peterson breaks the NFL rushing record.

Q When did you start playing guitar?

A I've always wanted to play. I never had time, and in college, I didn't have the money. Pretty much 90 percent of my stipend check went to rent, so I never had the time for an extra hobby. I figured now I'm done with practice around 5, and I watch film for a couple of hours, so I've got four or five hours a day of just sitting around, so I might as well get good at doing something.

Q This is a very important question for a guitar enthusiast: What kind of guitar do you play?

A After training camp, I bought a Gibson Les Paul. Rhett Ellison, my teammate here and at USC, recommended it. He's a pretty good artist. I think he plays piano, and also drums and guitar.

A Probably Kluwe. He's pretty good.

Q Do you ask Kluwe's advice on expressing public opinions?

A He's the Twitter master. I always ask him to mention me so I'll have more followers. He has so many followers, including me.

Q Are you going to form a band?

A It's just a hobby, but I like to showboat a little.

A Right now I love the Zac Brown Band. In college, I listened to AC/DC before games. Now I'm trying to stretch my range, so I'm all over the place.

Q Best friend on the team?

A Right now, because I've known him for a few years, Rhett. Having Rhett here made it an easier transition.

Actually, now I hang out with John Sullivan a lot. He's a great guy. He's kind of the one that took me under his wing and taught me the ways around here about how to be an NFL player.

Q Do you talk about Notre Dame beating USC this year?

Q Why?

A They think they're the best conference. But they're in the national championship game every year, so you can't complain about that.

Q Even at 308 pounds, you're lean for an NFL left tackle. Have you been able to keep your weight up?

A Yeah, it's gone down a little bit, but that's almost expected. I always lose a little weight during the season. It's been 100 times easier than in college because you eat breakfast in the morning, then go to practice and to class from 12 to 5 p.m., so I'd skip two whole meals and then eat dinner. It's hard to maintain weight on that schedule.

Now we get fed at the facility, and it's a lot easier to keep a schedule. Plus, now I can afford food.

Q Have you had what is known in the league as a "Welcome to the NFL" moment?

A Yes, I did. Last week I was all high on my boat because I've been playing so well, and [Bears defensive end] Julius Peppers, on a running play -- which is even more embarrassing -- went inside. So I stepped in to recover, and he stepped outside, and I got into a bad position, and he bumped me and I went down on my butt. First time I've ever been put on my butt in my life. I'm just sitting there feeling like I'm naked, where everybody could see me.

Q Toughest guy you've blocked this year?

A Peppers. He's been playing for so long, 12 years now, and he's humongous. It says he's 290, but he's probably 300. He's humongous, strong, athletic, and he's got a number of different pass-rush moves. He's just the complete player.

I was looking forward to that game. My mindset was, 'This guy has played against every great tackle in the game. Who am I to him?' But I look forward to those kinds of challenges. My next big challenge will be looking forward to Clay.

A He was hurt the first game we played, but I know he's going to be ready the next game.

Q Have you seen Leslie Frazier get angry yet?

A I was late one time. He took me into his office, kind of a rookie learning moment, and talked to me. He fined me. I think that's this league. They don't get mad; they just fine you. It's not like college coaches, who call you in and give you a slap on the wrist. They just fine you $7,000. That's motivating.

Q What should Peterson buy his offensive linemen if he breaks the NFL rushing record?

A Snowmobiles. I'm not all fancy. I don't need any watches. He can save the watches and buy me a $5,000 snowmobile instead of a Rolex.

A Same as the football field, it's being competitive. I always want to learn something, always want to get better. I'll research it, and look it up. I was even on YouTube, looking at songs. I haven't even taken lessons yet. I think once I get formal training, I'll get better.

Things I get into, I like to be the best at. I think in the next couple of years, once I start playing a lot, I'll be really good. You guys can come by and interview me later, and I'll show off a little with my fingers.

Jim Souhan can be heard Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon and weekdays at 2 p.m. on 1500-AM. His Twitter name is SouhanStrib. • jsouhan@startribune.com