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5 Questions About Minnesota Vikings LB Eric Kendricks With Go Joe Bruin

By Adam Carlson

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When the Minnesota Vikings selected UCLA linebacker Eric Kendricks in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, it was met with a lot of excitement on social media.  The team has been trying to look for a long-term answer at the middle linebacker position and Eric Kendricks could fill that need.  Interestingly enough, he’ll join a linebacker grouping in Minnesota that includes Kendricks’ former UCLA teammate Anthony Barr, who should aid in his adjustment to the NFL.

Recently, I had the opportunity to ask Mike W.R. from FanSided’s Go Joe Bruin website about what kind of player the Minnesota Vikings got when the selected Eric Kendricks in the draft.  Go Joe Bruin covers UCLA football and has had the opportunity to watch Eric Kendricks grow and develop over his college career.

Here is what Mike W.R. had to say about new Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks:

What is the greatest asset that Eric Kendricks brings to the Minnesota Vikings?

"“Oh my, there are so many to choose from but I will say his intelligence. He is a very smart player which fuels his game. He is good at tracking the offense and has good play recognition. With some pro development, he will be a force.”"

Are there any reasons why Vikings fans should be concerned about this pick?

"Oct 18, 2014; Berkeley, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Eric Kendricks (6) pursues the ball against the California Golden Bears in the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. The Bruins defeated the Golden Bears 36-34. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports“Good reasons, like “how soon can he be a Pro Bowler?” But seriously, he is a physical player that gets after the ball, what else can you ask for in a linebacker? The Vikings made a brilliant choice by not just selecting Kendricks, but selecting him as the former teammate of Minnesota’s first round draft pick last year, Anthony Barr. Instant chemistry.”"

What is your overall impression of Kendricks as a college football player?

"“What else can you say about a player that is a school’s all-time leader in tackles? He is an instant legend that will be missed. He led by example and what he always showed is that he wants to win which made his team want to win.”"

How do you feel Eric Kendricks will transition to the NFL?

"“Obviously everyone needs some time to get up to speed, but Kendricks should do well adjusting to the pros. It also helps he has Barr to help ease the transition. Oh yeah, he will also need a lot more jackets.”"

Do you have any final impressions on Kendricks that you’d like to tell Vikings fans about?

"“Watch for him to make an impact. He is very athletic and a blast to watch. He has been known to make incredible diving interceptions. It is just one of the many things he does well. “"

The impression that I got from this interview is how much Eric Kendricks really meant to UCLA.  To use terms like “instant legend” and “Pro Bowl” really says a lot for the type of player that he was at the college level.  He was a leader in college and a tackling machine that made some huge plays based on his athleticism.

I’d like to thank Mike W.R. of Go Joe Bruin for taking the time to answer these questions for The Viking Age.  Be sure to check out Go Joe Bruin’s article archives for more articles about Eric Kendricks as well as finding out how UCLA will move on after he’s gone.

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