Jerick McKinnon did a solid job filling in at running back while sharing time with the bruising Matt Asiata following Adrian Peterson being placed on the Exempt/Commissioner’s Permission List. McKinnon averaged 4.8 yards per carry (tied for 5th among running backs) during his rookie campaign and accumulated 538 yards on the ground as well as 135 yards in the passing game.
Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (31) carries the ball during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Sadly, despite the 673 yards of offense that Jerick McKinnon tallied during the 2014 season, he failed to reach the end zone.
Back when Adrian Peterson’s status was in the air for the 2015 season, the Vikings didn’t seem too worried about the running back position. They didn’t pursue any of the top free agents or use a draft pick on competition. And now that Adrian has returned to the team, McKinnon will go back to playing the role of wily backup.
Being a backup isn’t the worst thing. In fact, Jerick McKinnon seemed to embrace the opportunity to learn behind a player of the caliber of Adrian Peterson. Here’s what he said in an interview on the Fox Sports website:
"“Opportunity to learn from the best running back in the game,” McKinnon said. “That’s how I attack it; just taking his knowledge and moving forward with it. Bettering myself, coming out here to work every day, getting better from the small things to the big things. That’s a credit to all the running backs pushing each other and stuff like that.”"
And it is that kind of opportunity that will help McKinnon become a player that the Vikings can rely on to be a solid backup or potential future replacement at the running back position. Learning from Adrian Peterson will help Jerick McKinnon when his name is called to handle the ball for Minnesota.
"“From my standpoint, knowledge is key at this level. The physical aspect and all that is going to take care of itself. The greatest athletes are in the NFL, so for me it’s just to keep learning, keep growing and when that time comes, be ready.”"
When that opportunity comes, there’s no reason to believe that Jerick McKinnon will be up to the task. Despite not having a lot of time to prepare after being thrust into a feature role during his rookie season, he was impressive. With more experience and knowledge under his belt, McKinnon should be a much more valuable resource for the team.
But for now, he’ll have to enjoy watching one of the best running backs in the NFL work.
Next: Minnesota Vikings 2015 Game By Game Previews
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