Who is Vikings RB Jerick McKinnon?

Jerrick McKinnon upsets the Florida Gators Michael Chang/Getty Images

The land of a thousand lakes was shocked yesterday when it was reported that the Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson had been indicted for child abuse and was deactivated by the Vikings shortly after. Many of us may be flabbergasted seeing yet another NFL player involved in domestic violence but lets face it, as Patriots fans we are asking ourselves "Who is going to be in the Vikings backfield on Sunday?" Two names stand out, Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon. To me it is clear we are going to see McKinnon get the start.

McKinnon has an interesting story, he was drafted in the third round by the Vikings despite the fact that McKinnon played quarterback at Georgia Southern. Why would the Vikings draft him so high? Well his combine numbers caused his draft stock to jump sky high. At the combine McKinnon had the fastest 40 time among running backs with a 4.41, the most amount of bench reps with 32, and the second best vertical with 40.5.

McKinnon also stunned the college football world when Georgia Southern defeated the Florida Gators in the swamp 26-20. In the game McKinnon gained 125 yards on only 9 carries and scored a touchdown late in the game that gave his team the lead and the victory.

As a draft prospect Rob Rang of CBS Sports said of McKinnon:

Looks the part of an NFL running back. Sports a powerful, well-built frame that provides clear evidence of time spent in the weight-room. Fluid athlete who changes directions easily and accelerates smoothly.

Comfortable with the ball in his hands. Lowers his shoulders upon contact and runs with forward lean. Good vision. Reads blocks and shows impressive initial burst out of his cuts to separate. Physical and cognizant blocker. Showed his commitment to the team with his willingness to play whatever role asked.

Very raw as he possesses virtually no experience as a traditional running back. Took most his carries as a read-option quarterback or after taking the pitch to the outside, therefore his ability to run between the tackles is a projection.

As a professional football player McKinnon only has 1 rush for only 1 yard, but don't underestimate McKinnon's raw talent. Even if he isn't the starting running back, he is capable of pulling off a big run at any point in the game.

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