Sooners Hit NFL Rookie Camps

NORMAN, Okla. -- Minnesota got its first look at Adrian Peterson and Rufus Alexander in Vikings' purple this weekend.

The team's official site, Vikings.com, reported on the weekend's camp and items of interest to Oklahoma fans are included below:

The first session of a four-practice, three day rookie mini-camp was held by the Vikings Friday at Winter Park. The participating players included all eight of the team's 2007 drafts picks, 15 rookie free agents signed during the week and a host of other players who are with the team on a try-out basis.

Friday's session was open to the media, giving first-round draft pick Adrian Peterson his first exposure to writers and reporters in the Twin Cities area. Following practice, both Peterson and second-round pick Sidney Rice formally addressed the media; Coach Childress spoke with the media as well.

Peterson Vikings' Video Feature | Camp Photo Gallery

Peterson was the Vikings first-round pick last weekend and he surely looks the part. He is blazing fast and clearly stands out among everyone else.

VIKINGS HEAD COACH BRAD CHILDRESS
Q: How about your first impressions of Adrian Peterson?
A: He did about what we thought he could do. He didn't hiccup at all, I didn't think. I think he showed some speed to the outside and pretty good vision on the quick draw up the middle and caught the football down there in that one-on-one with the running backs and linebackers.

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ADRIAN PETERSON
Q: Well has it hit you that this is your first practice as a pro?
A: Yeah, it's all sinking in. Just being out here and having that purple helmet on, representing the Vikings, it's tangible. It's finally here.

Q: Is there something you can take away from this rookie mini-camp?
A: Yeah, the relationships you build with the guys and just the whole rookie class...just coming out here and working hard and competing.

Q: Does your collarbone feel okay?
A: Yeah, I felt good out there running hard and just being there, just getting it done.

Q: Have you made any progress this week on the decision surrounding your collarbone?
A: Actually I'm feeling good right now, so I'm just focused on learning my playbook, getting my playbook in and just coming out here and making guys better and working hard.

Q: Is there some point during the offseason where you will decide one way or the other to have surgery or not?
A: I'm pretty sure eventually. Like I said, right now I'm just focusing on me. Right now I'm just focusing on getting these plays in. It's something you really have to study and put time in for to get these plays and the different terminology, the language. That's really my main focus right now. I've been out here practicing. It hasn't given me any problems so I'm just going to push right ahead.

Q: Did learning the playbook start yesterday?
A: Yeah, yesterday.

Q: They had you catching some kicks today. How much of that have you done and is that something you'd like to do or will do?
A: Oh definitely, any way I can contribute to the team, I'm willing to do it. Kickoff return, I did it back at the University of Oklahoma, and I'd love to do it if they feel the need for me to be out there.

Q: Have you gotten an appreciation for the fan buzz around here?
A: Oh yeah, definitely. As soon as I got off the plane, or on the plane on the way to Dallas, Vikings fans were congratulating me and just welcoming me to Minneapolis. Like I said, I'm excited. I'm just here to try to help turn things around.

Q: Did people recognize you on the plane?
A: Oh yes, coming from Dallas, flying in.

Q: Did you wear a Vikings hat or shirt on?
A: I had a Vikings shirt on.

Q: Is this something you're prepared for, being what some may call the face of this franchise?
A: Yeah, I'm definitely prepared for it. It's on a totally different level being in the NFL, but (college) kind of helped me work my way to being able to handle it. I feel like I've been prepared well, and I'm just looking forward to the experience.

Q: Is there anyone along the way who has given you advice on how to handle high expectations?
A: Yeah, my coaches. Coach Stoops helped me; my dad and my mom (helped me). Basically it's just about being humble and just being yourself and never forgetting where you came from and knowing that when those little kids are walking up to you and asking for autographs, one day you were that kid asking different guys, whether it was on the college level or the NFL level. You were in their shoes, so basically it's just about being humble.

Q: Have you had any contact with Coach Childress about your role in the offense yet?
A: No, we already talked, but basically I'm another contributor to the team. I'm going to go out there and in whatever way help my team win championships and the Super Bowl. I'm just willing to take that and go with it.

Q: Is catching passes something you can handle here? They didn't have you do too much of it at Oklahoma.
A: No, not too much. It's definitely something I can handle. I'll continue to work on it. There's always room for improvement, just staying focused on the little things that are going to bring your game to the next level. Catching the ball is definitely one of the things they like to do with the running back, so I will just keep improving catching the ball and just my overall game.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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