Minnesota Vikings: Meet running backs coach Kirby Wilson

The Minnesota Vikings still have some question marks when it comes to some of the starting positions on the team, but running back isn’t one of them.

That is because of the hard work of a great coaching staff that is very knowledgeable and has experienced working with some of the elite players in recent history.

Minnesota Vikings running backs coach Kirby Wilson recently spoke with WCCO after practice and talked about his time spent working with numerous players over his career.

"“I’ve worked with 107 different running backs in my career. I keep track every time.”"

Aug 9, 2015; Canton, OH, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back

Joe Banyard

(23) rushes into the end zone for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

That is a lot of players that have gone through Kirby Wilson’s hands. While many of them didn’t amount to much in the National Football League, there are others that have become legends at the running back position. Guys like Emmitt Smith, Curtis Martin, Edgerrin James, Thomas Jones and, of course, Adrian Peterson are all included in Wilson’s 107.

"“You’ve seen greatness. And you know what it is to be great by watching those men.”"

After seeing players of that caliber, there’s no doubt that Wilson can spot talented players. Now, he has an interesting group of running backs surrounding him for the Minnesota Vikings 2015 season, including former NFL MVP Adrian Peterson, bruiser Matt Asiata, the wily Jerick McKinnon and several others.

"“It’s 107 right now, and I said, ‘Guys, this is as good a group as I’ve ever had. I mean, as good a group as I’ve ever had.’ And I told ’em you should be proud of that because that’s saying something.”"

You likely won’t see Adrian Peterson in action until the Minnesota Vikings open their season on Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers, but you can see the other running backs for the team in action this preseason. Hopefully Kirby Wilson is right and this great group of running backs can put together a great year and help lead this team to many victories.

Next: Minnesota Vikings 2015 Game By Game Previews

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