Latavius Murray: ‘I love the mentality here’ with the Vikings

The new Minnesota Vikings running back was at the team’s facilities on Tuesday and took some time to speak with the local media.

Of the new players the Minnesota Vikings have brought in this offseason, none may make more of an impact than running back Latavius Murray. Coming off a 2016 season with the Oakland Raiders in which he scored 12 touchdowns and averaged  4.6 yards per touch, Murray is expected to vastly improve a Vikings backfield that struggled mightily last year.

On Tuesday, Minnesota’s new running back was at the team’s facilities and spoke with a few local reporters about his feelings regarding his new team.

"“I love the mentality here. I love the locker room. It’s been great, everybody’s real cool.”– Latavius Murray"

When asked about what sort of role he expects to have in the offense, the running back said he anticipates being on the field as much as possible.

Minnesota Vikings

"“I know that they want me to be on the field as much as I can, whether it’s first, second, or third down. But it’s my job to make sure I’m staying in tune (with) the playbook right now and learning every bit of this offense to give myself that chance to be out on the field as much as I can.”"

During the interview, one reporter, who has clearly never used YouTube, asked Murray if he can catch the ball out of the backfield. The running back just smiled back and said, “Yes, I can and I love to.”

In terms of being any sort of replacement for Adrian Peterson this season, Murray does not really want to be compared to a running back that he himself, “admired,” growing up.

"“I am who I am and I’ll be the best back that I can be and continue to get better.”"

Next: Adrian Peterson lands in New Orleans

As for his recovery time from his recent ankle surgery, Murray expects to be ready for the start of the Vikings’ training camp this summer, telling reporters, “that’s the goal.”