Minnesota Vikings sign running back Kevin Monangai
By Adam Carlson
The Minnesota Vikings have added former Philadelphia Eagles and Villanova running back Kevin Monangai to the roster, which now stands at 90 players.
After shuffling around the members of the team’s rosters a little bit, the Minnesota Vikings were sitting at 89 players. However, that final roster spot was filled with a player who spent some time on the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad last year.
Related Story: Vikings cut 2 players, activate Ellis
As announced on the official Minnesota Vikings website, the team has come to terms with former Villanova running back Kevin Monangai to round out their roster for training camp following the release of two players and activation of defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis.
Born in Roseland, New Jersey, Monangai excelled at Seton Hall Preparatory School, which landed him a spot on the Villanova roster following graduation. The 5’8″ running back played for four seasons in college, totalling 618 carries for 3,167 yards and 29 touchdowns. He contributed in the passing game as well, sprinkling in 38 catches for 274 yards and 5 touchdowns.
His best years in college came in 2012 where he found the endzone 13 times and 2014 when he scored 15 times. He played well enough to earn All-CAA honors for his efforts.
Kevin Monangai went undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft, but was picked up as an undrafted free agent, joining the Philadelphia Eagles. He didn’t make their main roster, but did stick with the team on their practice squad.
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While it’s very possible that Kevin Monangai’s odds of sticking with the Minnesota Vikings is a long shot considering the depth and competition at the running back position, this is still a big opportunity for the young man to make an impression on the team and others around the NFL. Best of luck to Monangai during training camp and preseason.